Empiang seated (centre) with a picture of a contestant in the Miss Global International Sarawak 2015 wearing a loincloth. Two other photos of contemporary cultural outfits displayed by Dato Catherine Gramong (left) and Datin Senorita Linang (right).
KUCHING: Serakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) yesterday voiced out its displeasure over the loincloth worn by a contestant of the Miss Global International Sarawak 2015 which took place at a Shopping Mall in the city on April 26.
SIDS chairperson Dato Sri Empiang Jabu said she was shocked and disgusted to see the photograph intended to showcase the culture of various Dayak groups of Sarawak.
She said SIDS’ view was that it was offensive to members of the Dayak community.
“Based on the photo I had seen in the social media, one participant wore a loincloth (‘sirat’), a traditional attire for Dayak men,” she told a press conference at the sideline of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday.
“SIDS view this as culturally unbecoming and disrespectful to the Dayak community. I did not watch the live presentation nor know what the theme was. The photo went viral on social media and the girl looked (sexually) provocative,” she commented.
“It did not portray femininism, modesty or dignity of Dayak women. The social media highlighted it and the news reported that the organiser had called it a national costume,” she added.
Empiang said the organisers should have consulted them or the Dayak Cultural Foundation who had the expertise to avoid giving people a wrong perception of our culture and costumes.
SIDS suggested for a committee to be set up by the government or Adat Istidat to advise on pageant matters, she said.