Dayak-based associations in Miri commended for organising annual Gawai Dayak celebration
MIRI: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas commended the various Dayakbased associations in Miri for their concerted efforts in ensuring the success of the Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak celebration held annually over the past 18 years.
Among those present were Assistant Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Telang Usan and Piasau assemblymen Dennis Ngau and Datuk Sebastian Ting respectively, Senator Datuk Lihan Jok, Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini and organising chairman Wilfred Mac.
Douglas also urged all the Dayak-based associations here to continue enhancing cooperation among them, adding that the laws formulated by the government should be the basis to work together. At the same time, he said they should keep themselves abreast with happenings both locally and globally.
Meanwhile Gerawat said the Gawai Dayak celebration was an important platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the various communities, which he said are an asset to the overall development of the country.
On the education incentives given as part of the activities for the celebration Gerawat said it is important that students with excellent results be appreciated to spur them and others to excel in their studies, adding that education is crucial for the country’s development.
Gerawat who is also a council member for the Dayak Cultural Foundation ( DCF) said the awarding of three scholarships annually to Dayak students is part of the efforts to encourage excellence in education. Thus, he urged eligible students to apply for the scholarship. At the function, he announced government grants totalling RM75,000 towards the organising of various activities for the Miri Division Gawai Dayak Celebration including for educational incentives,
The grants came from the minor rural projects ( MRP) fund of Douglas ( RM30,000), Lee, Dennis and Ting who each gave RM10,000 while Gerawat himself contributed RM15,000 with Petronas also pledging RM10,000 for the purpose.
Later Gerawat handed over education incentives to 66 students who excelled in the UPSR, SPM and STPM 2016 examinations.