KUCHING: The Dayak National Congress wished its members, friends and the Dayaks “Selamat Gawai Dayak, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai Lantang Senang Nguan Menua”.
Despite the Covid-19 crisis, the congress said it had been a special year for the Dayaks, thanks to various achievements.
The achievements proved that the Dayaks could be successful, like anyone else.
“We have Pandalela Rinong winning the diving world championship in Tokyo and Bonnie Bunyau Gustin winning the World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Bangkok. In the movie industry, the Dayak Iban film, “Belaban Idup” by Misha Minut and Ray Lee has won so many international accolades.
“The Dayaks of Sarawak and Borneo are also well-known for their beauty. This was proven by Francisca Luhong James who was crowned the Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 and represented Malaysia at the Miss Universe 2021 in Florida. All these young Dayaks are the pride of the community,” said the congress in a statement on Monday (May 31).
It reminded the Dayaks to always be vigilant and to maintain a high level of safety alert by following the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place.
It pointed out that cooperation with the authorities as well as the village security and safety committees (JKKKs) was crucial to ensure that there would be no Gawai cluster.
“This year marks the second consecutive year that Gawai Dayak cannot be celebrated in a real do. We empathise with those who have yet to be reunited with their families for a long time as well as rejoice with their loved ones and old folk in the longhouses.
“The virus is invisible, fleet-footed and ruthless; all are prone to become victims. As it is not going away anytime soon, it is the concerted efforts of everyone to beat it. This year with God’s help and every effort made, we will beat the pandemic so that next year we will celebrate Gawai Dayak again,” added the congress.
It said the pandemic had also taken its toll on the economy and livelihoods of many members of the community.
Thus, it urged the government to ensure that all assistance programmes would reach the down trodden and even the undocumented Dayaks in the interior.
It also reminded the Dayaks of the upcoming state election and how it would decide the future.
“The election is a very important matter for us to decide our future. It is not just politics as usual. We urge the community to decide with wisdom, we must not see politics like in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
“Let’s have a new mindset. We must only choose parties and people who will speak for us, not people to threaten, promises and buy our votes. Let’s be honest with ourselves on what we want for the community,” added the congress.
