Manyin’s Gawai Dayak open house as popular as ever
SERIAN: The Gawai Dayak festive mood was still going strong at Kampung Pichin yesterday as people from all walks of life thronged the open house hosted by Minister of Youth and Sports and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.
The open house, held on the third day of Gawai, was also an opportunity for Manyin to thank voters and supporters for electing him to his fifth consecutive term as Tebedu assemblyman during the last state election.
An estimated 2,000 people visited the open house held between 10am and 6pm to extend their festive greetings to Manyin, his wife Datin Sri Mary and their son Alan.
The house was packed by noon with visitors who were treated to a wide array of food, including traditional Bidayuh dishes.
The rush of visitors did not subside even by nightfall as many took the chance to catch up with friends to the sounds of Bidayuh traditional music emanating from the house compound.
Among those who visited Manyin were Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, political secretary to the chief minister John David Nyauh, Serian Resident Dahim Nadot, district officer Sinde Mulling, Serian District Council deputy chairman Dr Simon Sindang, Temenggong Henry Bujang Sadok and veteran politician Dato Sri Dominic Dagok.
Australian Business Centre director Rodger Chan, Dayak Bidayuh National Association ( DBNA) vice-presidents Joseph Jindy and Charlie Ungang and Bidayuh Musicians and Artistes Association ( Bama) president Dr Alim Impira were also present.