Foster closer ties with one another, Dayaks reminded

SARIKEI: Repok assemblyman Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii calls upon the Dayaks from all groups to maintain excellent relationship between them, as they are with those from other communities.

He believes that Gawai Dayak, like other festive celebrations such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Christmas, provides an excellent platform for members of a diverse society to strengthen their spirit of unity and harmony.

Huang said this in his remarks prior to declaring the ‘ ngiling tikai’ ceremony to mark the closing of this year’s districtlevel Gawai Dayak celebrations at the Central Market Hall here last Saturday night.

His speech was read by Sarikei District Council chairwoman Wong Zee Yeng.

On the grand Gawai Dayak event, Huang commended the organising committee for working together to ensure the success of the programme.

It is learnt that the committee comprises representatives of various Dayak organisations – the Sarawak Dayak National Union ( SDNU), Sarawak Dayak Iban Association ( Sadia), Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), Dayak Bidayuh National Association ( DBNA) and Sarikei District Iban Community Leaders and Longhouse Headmen Association.

“The success ( of the event) reflects the strong spirit of ‘unity in diversity’ in our community,” Huang added.

The ‘ ngiling tikai’ ceremony was witnessed by some 800 guests – among them were Sarikei District Officer Christopher Ranggau, as well as local Dayak community leaders Penghulu Bidai Gisang who was also the event organising chairman, and Pemanca Edward Laden.