Mundaw (fifth left) and others rolling a mat to mark the First Division Infantry’s closing of the Gawai Dayak celebration. Also seen are (from fourth left) Jacqueline, Nait, Laceylona and Churchill.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: First Division Infantry commander Major General Datuk Stephen Mundaw was impressed with the Iban kuntau demonstration at the division’s closing of the Gawai Dayak celebration at Rumah Pansuh Dayak in Jalan Muara Tuang here on Wednesday night.
Members of Academy Sadia and Sikar had demonstrated the Iban traditional art of self-defence before Mundaw who is also Sarawak Iban Kuntau Association (Sikar) advisor.
“It was an excellent performance last night (Wednesday). It was good to see the ‘buah’ and ‘bunga’ Kuntau coming alive. We discovered that they have got many hidden talent.”
“We call and urge all Iban Kuntau ‘guro’ (master) and their followers who have the talent to come forward under one roof (of Sikar) to promote and make Iban Kuntau a renowned traditional art again,” he said.
Mundaw said it was imperative for all Dayak-based NGOs to work together in the efforts to preserve and uplift their cultural identity.
“My appreciation goes especially to Akademi Sadia, Sikar and Kelab Gagung Sarawak for their endless support and cooperation. The first division infantry is always looking forward to work together in preserving, protecting and promoting culture and traditional arts,” he said.
Apart from Iban Kuntau demonstration, the night also highlighted a blowpipe competition and various Dayak ethnic traditional dances as well as live band performances.
Also present at the event were Mundaw’s wife Datin Jacqueline Peris, Sikar president Churchill Drem, Academy Sadia head Mabong Unggang and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) Kuching branch chairmam Datuk Paduka Anthony Nait Mani and his wife Datin Laceylona.