Dr Annuar (fourth left), Chai (third left) and others from the Federation of 7 Clan Associations jointly handing over Gawai goodies to Iban friends. — Photo by Othman Ishak
SIBU: The Federation of 7 Clan Associations has set an excellent example of the true meaning of 1Malaysia by sharing the joy of Gawai Dayak by donating to their Iban friends here.
Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee stressed that their generous gesture will greatly help strengthen the spirit of unity among Malaysians.
“They not only bring joy and cheer to the Iban community which will be celebrating Gawai Dayak here but also enhance the spirit of unity among all communities.
“Thus, other NGOs here should emulate their example so our future generations will continue to live peacefully and harmoniously in unity,” he added. Dr Annuar was speaking during the presentation of Gawai Dayak goodies by the Federation of 7 Clan Associations to some 200 Ibans from longhouses around Sibu at Dewan Suarah Sibu yesterday.
The Federation of 7 Clan Associations’ is headed by its dynamic president Chai Then Sien who is a known altruistic personality.
“It is indeed a historical moment for the Iban community here where the Chinese associations share the joy of Gawai Dayak in the spirit of harmony by donating to the Iban fraternity,” he added.
Annuar said Bumiputera friends here will reciprocate with a similar programme during Chinese New Year by donating to the less fortunate in the Chinese community.
“Thus, we, the Bumiputera community here, should give our full support to the Federation of 7 Clan Associations when they organise any events,” he pointed out. Meanwhile, Chai that as we live in multi-racial Malaysia, the festive seasons are “a wonderful time for us to share the joy of the festive occasion with our Iban friends by giving out Gawai goodies”.
He added that this is in line with the 1Malaysia spirit which is lauded by our prime minister.
“This is not the first and last of it as we in the Federation of 7 Clan Associations will make it an annual event,” he announced with a broad smile.