Berawan Sarawak Association aims to unite community
MIRI: The Berawan Sarawak Association (Penipong Melawen Sarawak) is determined to become a focal point and unifying agent for the community although it has 152 members only.
Its newly re-elected president Datin Catherine Awing said among major projects for this year will be organising the second Berawan Festival and annual dinner, besides taking part in various activities organised jointly with government agencies and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) including Miri May Fest and Divisional Gawai celebration.
“For the Berawan Festival or Pesta Gelimeh Gawai to be held in June, we will move the venue from Miri City to rural areas in one of the Berawan villages either in Mulu or Loagan Bunut.
The festival is similar to Gawai or harvest festival with activities aimed at promoting the culture and traditions of the Berawan community,” she told thesundaypost yesterday.
She revealed that the association in collaboration with Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (Mais) is writing a book on the cultures and traditions of the Berawans.
Meanwhile at the recently held biennial general meeting (BGM), Catherine and all the exco members were returned unopposed.
Besides Catherine, her vicepresident Cr Francis Tangah, secretary-general Nurul Hasnita Abdullah @ Loretta Herbert Madang and assistant secretary-general Edward Laing Epoi were also returned unopposed since 2013.
Treasurer Syida Abdullah @ Madunna Payak Tuah and assistant treasurer Wendy Paya Jau were in their second term.
The seven newly elected committee members for the 2017-2019 term are Abia Laing, Amy Philip, Imelda Melai, Julia Juwen, Markus Abdon Ajang, Joseph Ho and Paul Tinggang Bukie.
Penghulu Herbert Lawai Epoi, Penghulu Patrick Jeliman and other Berawan village chiefs witnessed the election of new office-bearers.
In her acceptance speech, Catherine said she was pleased that the new office-bearers were capable members who were committed and willing to work as a team, and to scale greater heights for the association.
She said the new committee members had agreed to work closely with her in organising many activities for the Berawan community and the general public.
Meanwhile, she urged Berawans including those from mixed marriages, aged 18 and above, to join as members as the association needs more ideas and support to organise activities.
Entrance fee for a member is RM2 while the monthly membership fee is RM1.
For details, contact her at 012-8937300 or Nurul Hasnita @ Loretta at 019-8360333.