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KUCHING, May 31: Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud urges all Sarawakians, especially the Dayaks, Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu tribes, to uphold their respective customs and cultures so that the identities of the various races can continue to be preserved as Sarawak’s heritage.
Taib noted that tomorrow (June 1), the Dayak community throughout Sarawak will celebrate the Gawai Dayak festival, with many returning to their respective families in villages and longhouses across the State to celebrate the harvest festival.
“This celebration will undoubtedly strengthen family bonds while also expressing gratitude for the success achieved in the previous year and hope for a better new year,” he said in his Hari Gawai Dayak message today.
He said everyone in Sarawak should be proud of the unique customs and diverse beliefs of the various races in Sarawak.
“The unity between the races that we have enjoyed all this time has been recognised by the central government with the presence of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Sarawak on May 21, who attended to inaugurate the national Unity Week in Kuching, Sarawak,” he added.
Taib also highlighted that Sarawakians who comprise 27 ethnic groups, have proven successful in living in a state of peace and harmony due to the existence of an attitude of tolerance and respect with the diverse customs of each race.
“This is the inheritance and heritage that we must preserve and defend, which is unity.”
Taib stated that by celebrating the Gawai Dayak festival, the customs and culture of the Dayak people will continue to be preserved and flourish among their respective tribes.
“Let’s together not miss this opportunity to visit family members and friends this festive season.
“This culture of visiting has been integrated into our society where other races such as the Chinese and the Malays will visit their friends who are celebrating the Gawai Dayak festival.
“Therefore, let us all continue to practise this tradition so that racial harmony in Sarawak will continue to be preserved.”
At the same time, Taib thanked the Sarawak government, led by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, for always thinking ahead to ensure Sarawak’s progress by 2030 through the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS).
“And with this effective and innovative leadership, it will definitely continue to drive success in the future.
“Therefore, I would like to call on all the people in Sarawak to continue to join hands with the State leadership in ensuring that sustainable development can be achieved in line with the motto of ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’.
“Finally, along with my wife and family members, we want to wish ‘Selamat Ngintu Hari Gawai Dayak, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Nguan Menoa…..OOOhaaa’.” — DayakDaily
