Gawai opportunity for Bidayuhs to enhance unity, cohesiveness – Manyin

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Manyin (fifth right) observing the Narakng ritual of the Bidayuh Salako and Rara in conjunction with the Authentic Gawai festival at Kampung Pueh longhouse. Also seen is Opar assemblyman Datuk Ranum Mina (sixth left).

SEMATAN: Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong has advised members of the Bidayuh community  to take the opportunity to enhance their unity and cohesiveness during this Gawai festival.

Manyin, who is also Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) chief advisor, lamented that the ethnic group had been divided due to political differences.

He noted that the Bidayuh community was considered to be a minority group, as they only consisted of about eight per cent of the total population in Sarawak.

“To compare with other ethnic groups and races here, the Bidayuhs are considered to be a minority group with a population of only 220,000 people.

“Even though the number of Bidayuhs are small in population, we are further divided due to political differences; I was told that some of our brethren joined in various political parties such as PBB, SUPP, DAP, PRS, PAS, and PKR.

“In conjunction with this Gawai festival, let this be an opportunity for us to work together, to be friends and most of all, to enhance our unity,” he said during the Authentic Gawai festival held at Kampung Pueh Longhouse here yesterday.

He also reminded members of the Bidayuh community to set aside all their differences in order for them to stay united.

“Whether you are of different sub-ethnic group such as Salako, Jagoi, Penrissen or Padawan, you are all considered as Bidayuhs.

“With the theme ‘One Heart, One Mind’ (Ini Awang, Ini Aseng), don’t think much of your differences and let us all celebrate Gawai in unity,” he said.