Festivals a time to strengthen and celebrate culture — TYT
KUCHING: The festivals of all ethnic groups in Sarawak should be seen as occasions not only to strengthen culture but also opportunities to learn about and celebrate the traditions of other communities.
In making the call, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the people must continue to interact regardless of their diverse ethnic origins and religious beliefs.
Taib noted that Sarawakians continued to recognise and understand the customs and traditions of other races throughout the state.
He pointed out that Gawai Dayak is celebrated and enjoyed not only by the Dayak community but also Sarawakians of other races.
Such a scenario also applies during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year, he said.
“For this reason, we can actually say the celebrations of every community like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Gawai Dayak are very popular and being participated by all communities in the state,” Taib said in his Gawai Dayak message.
He said the changes in the celebration of Gawai Dayak over the years ref lect how the Bidayuh, Iban and Orang Ulu communities have been able to exploit the opportunities that have emerged through the process of the state’s development.
The Head of State said he believes those celebrating Gawai Dayak in other states such as Johor will also share the spirit of joy and happiness with other Malaysians.
“Hari Gawai Dayak must be preserved to become an occasion to meet, exchange visits, interact and understand each other’s customs and traditions so that a celebration, which has been given a public holiday, can help to strengthen the unity of all communities not only in Sarawak but in Kuala Lumpur and Johor too,” he said.
Taib added that he has always reminded the people of diverse ethnic and religious groups to celebrate the good and beautiful aspects of other cultures and traditions.
He also called on the people to continue working together to achieve greater progress and prosperity ahead.