Ik Pahon joins the ring ladies of Semban, Padawan for a dance.
KUCHING: There is a possibility that other towns including Bau will host future editions of Pesta Birumuh.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin said while Serian had so far hosted three out of four events, it did not mean other towns could not host the Bidayuh cultural celebration.
“We would like to have it once every three years, or once in two years, if the financial situation permits it. It’s good to hold it (Pesta Birumuh).
“Rather than Serian holding it every year we can hold it in other Bidayuh majority areas such as Bau or any place in Penrissen/Padawan area,” he said at the Pesta Birumuh 2017 appreciation dinner held at Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) headquarters here Sunday.
Manyin, who is also DBNA chief advisor, said the first Pesta Birumuh was held in Serian in 2009 which was officiated at by then chief minister Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
The second one in 2011 was held on a smaller scale at DBNA headquarters in Kuching, which was officiated at by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Serian again hosted the celebration in 2015 when then chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem announced the elevation of Serian District into the state’s 12th administrative division.
“The latest Pesta Birumuh (also held in Serian on April 1) is also significant because Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony of two big projects, one of which is the divisional administrative complex.
“The other one is the divisional conference centre, the first one to take after the Dewan Suarah concept. It’s an honour for us to have these two big projects, which I believe cost almost RM180 million,” he said.
He added the chief minister also announced new projects for Serian including the building of an iconic bridge to boost tourism in the division.
“The iconic bridge is styled after the famous cable-stay bridge in Putrajaya. The cost is yet to be determined, but it will be quite substantial,” he said.
Manyin thanked everyone involved in Pesta Birumuh 2017 for making it a success.
Meanwhile, DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik said he had received feedback, especially through the social media, that Pesta Birumuh 2017 was the best one ever held. He was also happy to note of the participation of a contingent from Entikong, Indonesia who added more colours to the cultural parade.
“Pesta Birumuhs is a true manifestation of our willingness to work together. We are happy to receive good support from other communities in making it a success.”
Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA) president Prof Dr Ahi Sarok, Temenggongs Austin Dimin and Henry Bujang Sadok, and chairpersons of DBNA branches were also present at the dinner. Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep joined the dinner at the later stage.