By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 2: Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia and Bintulu MP Dato Seri Tiong King Sing once again captured public attention, this time not with a speech but during a lively Gawai celebration where tuak appeared to spill as he was cheerfully served the traditional rice wine.
“Ohhaaaa! Selamat Ari Gawai semua! Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Nguan Menoa!” wrote Tiong, who is also Dudong assemblyman, in a Facebook post extending warm wishes for a joyful Gawai celebration.
“It’s Gawai time, crowd is pushing, tuak is spilling, longhouse is rocking, and hearts full of joy. Macam ni ulih ngirup mimit aja,” he joked, implying he could only manage small sips amid the commotion.
The post, uploaded yesterday (June 1), has garnered over 1,400 reactions and a flood of comments from netizens praising Tiong’s warmth, sense of humour, and connection to the people.
“Rock on Dato. Agi Idup Agi Ngirup,” one user quipped, playing on the famous Iban motto ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’ by replacing ‘Ngelaban’ (fight) with ‘Ngirup’ (drink).
Another added, “One Dato who could hold his tuak. Ouuuha.”
Some praised him as a unifying figure, with a user writing: “The one and only Tourism Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing who upholds the spirit of all Malaysian festivals despite cries of extremism against him. Well done.”
Others simply celebrated the occasion: “YB berjiwa rakyat,” said one, while many wished “Selamat Hari Gawai” in multiple languages.
The post reflects not only the fun of the moment but also the importance of unity and cultural pride during Gawai Dayak, celebrated annually on June 1 across Sarawak. — DayakDaily
