SIBU: A total of 168 Dayak students who obtained excellent result in their public examinations (PT3, SPM and STPM) received incentive at the Sibu Pre-Gawai Dayak celebration held at Kingwood Hotel here last Sunday night.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi handed over the incentive to the recipients.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nanta said the hosting of the Pre-Gawai Dayak celebration every year was the best platform to unite the Dayak community.
He added that the Pre-Gawai Dayak celebration was not only celebrated by the Dayak community in Sarawak but also celebrated by the Dayak community in Peninsular Malaysia.
“This would give an opportunity for the Dayak community, particularly those in urban areas to celebrate Gawai before returning to their villages and longhouses,” he said.
Nanta who is also Member of Parliament for Kapit called on the Dayak community to treat the Pre-Gawai Dayak celebration as a platform to showcase Dayak’s cultural heritage.
“Cultural heritage of the Dayak community must be upheld so that it will remain forever,” he said.
He also noted with pride the presence of members of Sarawak Gagong Club who look handsome and brave which truly reflects Dayak warriors.
“Indeed, your presence has raised our spirits as a Dayak community,” he said.
At the function Nanta also announced a grant of RM20,000 from Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and RM10,000 from himself to the organising committee of Sibu Pre-Gawai Dayak celebration 2017.
The organising chairman for the celebration Chambai Lindong who is also chairman of Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu Branch, Temenggong Stanley Geramong, Pemanca James Semilan were among those present.
