Embrace new norm in celebrating Gawai, advises Awg Tengah
KUCHING: The Dayak community should embrace the ‘new norm’ during this Gawai Dayak celebration as the country strives to break the chain of Covid-19 infection, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said even though the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) has restricted the people’s movement, members of the community could still extend festive greetings through social media platforms.
“Even with CMCO, I believe we can still connect with each other and celebrate Gawai with great cheer through social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram.
“This is the new norm we must embrace. During the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, such platforms were fully utilised and brought a bit of cheer to the celebration,” he said in his Gawai Dayak message yesterday.
Awang Tengah called upon the community to continue complying with the standard operating procedure (SOP) under the CMCO during the festival, adding this would be one of the ways to show appreciation to all frontliners for their sacrifices and hard work in breaking the Covid-19 chain of infection.
He said even though the ‘ngabang’ tradition (house-tohouse visiting) is not allowed, moderate celebrations could still carried on within families.
At the same time, the deputy chief minister hoped the spirit of the Gawai festival would continue to foster closer ties among the people of various racial, religious cultural backgrounds.
“The spirit of cooperation, mutual respect and living in harmony is our identity as Sarawakians,” he said.
Towards ensuring Sarawak and
Malaysia continue to enjoy peace and stability, Awang Tengah said the state government remained committed in revitalising the economy in order to pursue its development agenda including developing rural areas.
“We want to ensure that the wellbeing and quality of life of our people can be improved. We hope all of us are excited, awake, and ready for the Gawai festival.
“Stay safe and take good care of yourselves during this Gawai festival. Selamat Hari Gawai, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai.”
Even with CMCO, I believe we can still connect with each other and celebrate Gawai with great cheer through social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram. Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan