‘Gawai Dayak a time to reconnect with culture’
MARUDI: Gawai Dayak is not just a time to celebrate the hard work of the past year but an important time to reconnect with Dayak culture.
Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil called on members of the Dayak community to use the celebration to remind themselves of their customs and traditions.
“In this regard, I am very pleased to note that more and more children and also adults are taking part and practising their cultures such as Ngajat, Beramban, Bebiau, and so on. Keep it up to maintain our identity,” he said during Marudi District-level Pre-Gawai Dayak celebration on Friday.
“Gawai is not only time for celebrating after a year of hard work but more importantly for all segments of society to come together to enhance and rekindle their long lost relationships,” he said.
He called on community leaders to ensure the people’s needs are looked after and to maintain unity and harmony among the grassroots, especially within and between longhouse communities as well as different ethnic groups.
Penguang reminded civil servants to work closely with elected representatives, community leaders, and the people to ensure the effectiveness of their service delivery.
He also called for roads with potholes and slippery sections to be repaired before Gawai Dayak as many are expected to return to Marudi for the celebration.
Among those present at the celebration were Baram MP Anyi Ngau and Marudi District Officer Mackos Sibong.
In this regard, I am very pleased to note that more and more children and also adults are taking part and practising their respective cultures such as Ngajat, Beramban, Bebiau, and so on. Keep it up to maintain our identity. — Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, Assistant Minister of Local Government