Dato Sri Michael Manyin
KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will be in the state capital on June 3 to celebrate Gawai Dayak with the people.
He is expected to arrive at Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) hall, which is the venue for the celebration, at 8.15pm.
This year, the Bidayuh community has been given the honour to host the celebration.
Last year’s celebration was hosted by the Orang Ulu community while the Iban community was the host of the previous year’s Gawai Dayak celebration.
DBNA advisor Dato Sri Michael Manyin said this year’s celebration is jointly organised by Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF), Federation of Orang Ulu Associations (Forum) and DBNA.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Bisindi Bisamah, Segulai Sejalai and Peji, Peju, Pejoh’.
Manyin said the theme in Bidayuh, Iban and Orang Ulu respectively means working together in unity, adding: “By jointly organising the celebration we work as a group for nation building and not try to overrun or fight each other.” “The celebration on June 3 will be a platform for the people to enhance cohesiveness and unity because we have a common vision to make Sarawak a prosperous and developed state, and a better place to stay.” “And we really feel honoured to host the event,” Manyin said at a press conference at DBNA headquarters yesterday.
Just like during other celebrations such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year and Christmas when the people of all races and religions come together, members of other communities will also celebrate Gawai Dayak with their Dayak relatives and friends, added Manyin.
The Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication said about 3,000 people or more are expected to turn up and join in the celebration.
Manyin said each Dayak community will showcase their culture while the highlight of the event will be the parade of 12 Kumang contest winners, four each representing the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh and Iban communities.
Forum president Gerawat Gala and DCF manager Datin Senorita Linang were among those attending the press conference.