Anyi commends people of Baram for living harmoniously
MARUDI: Baram is among the biggest areas in the country and because of that it is home to various communities or races.
Among the ethnic groups are the Iban, Orang Ulu, Chinese and Malay communities, who live harmoniously together, sitting and eating together at one table.
So the Pre-Gawai celebration is a fine way to foster closer relationship between the communities who despite their different cultures, languages and religions are all Malaysians.
“That is why the government is able to bring in development to Baram,” Baram Member of Parliament Anyi Ngau said of the unity and harmony in Baram.
Anyi was speaking at the Marudi District Pre- Gawai celebration at Baram Civic Centre on Friday night.
On a related matter, Anyi expressed sadness that some Iban longhouses did not practise their traditional cultures and even did not have any ‘engkoromong’ instruments like gong, gendang and others.
He advised that even though they had converted to Christianity, it was alright for them to practise their traditions and cultures and keep their traditional instruments to preserve their heritage.
Anyi was very happy to note that all the Tuai Rumah from Poyut/Lubok Nibong area joined the celebration, which he said showed that they were united and supported the Barisan Nasional ( BN).
Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil officiated at the celebration, which was attended by his wife, Datin Monica Ukong Jaya.
Penguang in his speech announced that Anyi would be the BN candidate for Baram in the coming general election.
He called on the people to give their undivided support to BN and its candidate Anyi in the election so that he can continue to serve them.
Also giving a speech was Marudi district officer Mackos Sibong, who is the Pre- Gawai organising committee chairman.
Besides the Kumang and Keligit competitions, the ‘ Beramban’ and Iban poem recital were held during the evening.