Gerawat (right) and Anyi light candles to symbolically launch the Kenyah Lepo’ Aga’ pre-Christmas ceremony at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club.
Youth singers render Christmas songs to put guests in a festive mood.
Kenyah Lepo’ Aga’ men display their strength and skill in the Kanjet Apei dance performance.
MIRI: It was a joyous celebration in the spirit of Christmas at a pre-Christmas ceremony organised by the Kenyah Lepo’ Aga’ Association at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club here on Wednesday.
The event, themed ‘The Birth of the King of Peace’, featured various exciting programmes with the highlight being the praise and worship sessions.
The inaugural ceremony was officiated by State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala, who commended the organising committee for bringing together people from all walks of life, including those from other races such as Iban, Penan, Kelabit and Chinese.
“This pre-Christmas celebration serves as a great platform to spread the gospel message of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is a way for us to reach to the community around us and at the same time promote peace and goodwill,” the Mulu assemblyman said.
Gerawat went on to urge the Kenyahs to be more united in their struggle to become a developed and progressive community.
“Members of the Kenyah community must remain united and work together in synergy to ensure continuous development in the state. We need to stay as one big family so that it is easier for us to progress in our development efforts for many years to come.
“It is also vital for us to continue supporting our leaders, including community leaders, church leaders and our leaders in government and politics to ensure we will move forward and develop together,” he said.
Gerawat shared that this year, the state government has allocated RM15 million for the newly-established Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to help various non-Islamic religious bodies in Sarawak to fund the construction of worship homes and repair works.
“The government will also continue to support activities and programmes that foster unity, understanding and brotherhood between our people of various races, cultures and beliefs,” he added.
At the event, he announced an allocation of RM10,000 from his minor rural project fund to Kenyah Lepo’ Aga’ Association for their activities.
Meanwhile, event organising chairman Raymond Apoi said the event was an opportunity for the community from several Kenyah Lepo’ Aga’ longhouses in Baram, including Long Jeeh, Long Silat, Long Belaong, Long Selawan and Long Teran Kanan B here, to celebrate the festive season together before most of them head back to their villages.
“It is hoped that this event would further strengthen ties among the Christian community here and help foster racial and religious harmony in our community,” said Raymond, who is also the association’s chairman.
Among the activities held during the event were a Christmas concert with dancing and singing by the faithful and members of the Kenyah Lepo’ Aga community.
Baram MP Anyi Ngau, political secretary to the chief minister Datuk Robert Laing, and Marudi District Council deputy chairman Simpson Njock were among those present.