Alfred Jabu
SIBU: Sarawak science research advisor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang has chided the national-level Gawai Dayak celebration held in Bintulu last May, saying it was “not done properly”.
He said that the organiser should not allow people of other races to be the ‘Tuai Gawai’ for the celebration, which was done according to the ‘Gawai Sandau Hari’ ritual.
“Matters like this, if repeated in the future, will have a detrimental effect on the customs and culture of the Iban people.
“Not only the ‘Tuai Gawai’ issue but the organiser should also be well-versed in Iban customs and culture,” he said when representing Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah while officiating at the national-level “Iban Language and Culture” seminar here today.
Also present at the event was Teachers’ Training Institute (IPG) Rajang campus director Dr Lambat Lindong.
According to Jabu, the Iban community should showcase the right way to celebrate the festival and thus preserve their own customs.
The younger generation as well as the rest of the community should also explain the true meaning of Gawai and celebrate it properly, he said.