KUCHING, Oct 2: Sarawak human rights activist Peter John Jaban has called on an opposition MP to apologise to Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac) Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing for her criticism of his public alcohol consumption and dancing during last year’s Gawai Dayak festival.
Peter John asserted that the opposition MP had tarnished Tiong’s reputation by insinuating misconduct during his official duties.
“Clearly, the opposition MP had also failed to appreciate the fact that Tiong, who is a non-Muslim, is in a position to do what a Muslim Minister would not be able to do, and that is to bond with and to serve both the locals and tourists well by dining and drinking alcoholic drinks with those celebrating the Gawai festival.
“That is how the Dayaks celebrated their annual Gawai festival. Fun and party places always attract tourists. Most countries have resorts, bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to tourists,” he said in a statement today.
Tiong defended himself in the Dewan Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Oct 31) against Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin’s comments during the Budget 2024 debate in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 16, who reportedly criticised Tiong by asking if he was trying to promote the culture of intoxication and dancing publicly.
“There’s nothing wrong with drinking and partying for a reason as long as we know our limit and place,” noted Peter John.
He further explained: “Our Gawai Festival is widely celebrated by all nationalities in Sarawak, whereby our people believe in the drinking of ‘tuak’, dancing the ‘ngajat’, and the ‘poco-poco’ on a wide scale.
“These traditions are adhered to appease the spirits, to thank them for a bountiful harvest and a better harvest in the coming year.”
The Sarawak human rights activist also emphasised the importance of following Tiong’s advice to focus on helping the country develop its economy, rather than raising issues that could disrupt peace and harmony. — DayakDaily
