(From third left) Ripin, Awang Tengah, Rosey and Ahmad Lai (third right) with Haziani (seated) who is flanked by Emma (left) and Nurul Natasha.
MIRI: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka has been called on to produce a Kedayan dictionary.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the dictionary is necessary to keep the language alive in line with the state government’s stand of promoting unity in diversity.
“The language with the rich heritage of Kedayan culture, traditions, cuisine, costumes and others, should be preserved for future generations,” Awang Tengah said when officiating at the annual Kedayan Makan Tahun Perdana Miri in Kampung Danau, Bekenu on Friday.
He pledged to support the project financially next year.
Awang Tengah said, as a minority group, Kedayans must unite and work closely together with other communities in Sarawak in order to progress.
He said the common goal of the improving the wellbeing of Sarawakians and the state was outlined by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg under the State Budget 2018.
“The digital economy, online and e-commerce platform will provide opportunities which everyone can take advantage of,” he said.
Awang Tengah also urged the community to keep their children away from drug abuse and other social ills by stressing the importance of education as a stepping stone to be a part of Sarawak’s development and progress.
Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus thanked Kedayan communities from across Borneo for attending the celebration.
She said such an event would help to enrich and preserve the culture and traditions of the Kedayan community.
“There are many treasures which are left undocumented and could be swallowed up and lost with the passage of time, and we hope to preserve this through documentation,” she said.
The programme included the cultural dances, songs and silat performances of Kedayan communities from Bekenu, Limbang, Lawas, Brunei, Labuan and Sabah.
Among those present were Sibuti Member of Parliament Datuk Ahmad Lai Bujang and Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat.
Haziani Sarbini was crowed Kepala Kapo Beauty Queen, beating Nurul Natasha Junaidi and Emma Sahari, who came in second and third respectively.
The contestants received RM800, RM600 and RM500 respectively along with a trophy and bouquet of flowers each.