By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 29: In a truly awe-inspiring showcase of cultural harmony and unity, Muar MP Syed Saddiq and a talented TikTok content creator known as Pudds/Pudding/Pui Ting, recently decked out in stunning traditional garb from Sarawak and Sabah and put on a captivating and educational display of dances that were symbolic of each ethnic community.
The TikTok video quickly went viral, capturing the attention of Malaysians nationwide, especially Sarawakians and Sabahans, who admired the effort to celebrate the nation’s multicultural identity.
This unexpected collaboration occurred at the perfect time, coinciding with the Hari Gawai and Hari Kaamatan celebrations, which the people of Sarawak and Sabah observe, respectively.
Hari Gawai, also known as Gawai Dayak, is a harvest and thanksgiving festival observed annually on June 1 by the Dayak people of Sarawak. It is a celebration of bountiful harvests and the planning of future endeavours. It also represents the Dayak people’s religious and social values, as well as unity, aspiration, and hope.
Meanwhile, Hari Kaamatan, also known as Pesta Kaamatan, is a harvest festival held annually on May 30 and 31 in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan. It is observed by the ethnic Kadazan-Dusuns and other related ethnic groups in the state. Pesta Kaamatan is a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and gather, feast, and renew communal relationships.
The collaboration between Syed Saddiq and Pudds was a creative way to honour and celebrate the spirit of these festivals, showcasing the richness and diversity of Malaysia’s cultural heritage.
The Muar MP also uploaded the video on his official Facebook Page with the caption saying, “Selamat Hari Kaamatan and Selamat Ari Gawai! Pudds must have much more patience in tolerating the ‘kakuness’ in me. Costumes mana satu yang korang suka?”
Although the collaboration was well-received by many, some Malaysians couldn’t resist poking fun at Syed Saddiq’s dancing abilities.
One netizen on TikTok commented, “YB tidak datang rehearsal ini (YB did not come for rehearsal).”
Another one said, “Kira baguslah itu walaupun nampak karau badan YB (I think that’s good even though YB’s body looks stiff).”
The TikTok video was also flooded with light-hearted comments. A netizen said, “This is what the future Prime Minister should be like, totally up to date.”
Another netizen from Sarawak commented, “Steady YB. You’re the best! Jom datang jalan-jalan ke Sarawak (Come to Sarawak for a walk),”
The majority of them remarked that the collaboration was also unexpected.
The collaboration between Syed Saddiq and Pudds exemplifies how social media can bridge generational gaps and foster cultural understanding.
The Muar MP’s dedication to engaging with the younger generation by utilising digital platforms to connect with them on a more personal level has been well received by Malaysians thus far.
Pudds’s TikTok video featuring Syed Saddiq marks the conclusion of a four-part series in which she aimed to promote traditional Malaysian attire. — DayakDaily
@deadpudds Selamat Hari Kaamatan dan Selamat Ari Gawai! ❤️🇲🇾 Here is the long awaited Sabah & Sarawak Video featuring special guest YB Syed Saddiq! @Syed Saddiq 🥳🥳 Proudly presenting: SARAWAK ⭐️ Baju Tradisional Iban ⭐️ Baju Tradisional Orang Ulu/Dayak ⭐️ Baju Tradisional Kaum Bidayuh SABAH ⭐️Baju Tradisional Kadazan Dusun ⭐️Baju Tradisional Kadazan Papar ⭐️Baju Tradisional Bajau Samah These are the chosen traditional outfits to shoot for this project as it is very hard to find more traditional clothing from all the tribes of Sabah and Sarawak. One day I promise to go over to your states and show off more of your beautiful traditional clothes! ❤️ Thank you to our dear YB Syed Saddiq for agreeing to participate in this video project with me and taking time off your very hectic schedule to squeeze a few hours for this. Really appreciate it! And that’s all for this series – Traditional Clothing of Malaysia by States. Thank you everyone for your support! Will create more relevant content in the time to come, stay tuned sayangs! Credits 📸 @Alif Jamil 👗 @HOUSE of ARONnawi ® 💃 @Ellemonade @ Let’s Anime 2023 #bajutradisional #malaysia #busana #pakaiantradisional
