SIBU: Angelina Rani Gawan was crowned the Kumang after defeating ten other beauties at the Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) Gawai Dayak Dinner and Kumang Gawai contest here last night (June 17).
The 23-year-old substitute teacher went home with RM5,000 in cash along with various other complementary prizes.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Catalina Paloma Tuah from Kapit was awarded the Lulong (first runner-up) title, while Selangau lass Jessica Ajik David, 18, was named Selinggar Matahari (second runner-up).
Catalina brought home a RM3,000 cash prize and other complementary prizes, while Jessica took home with RM2,000 in cash and other complementary gifts.
Seven other finalists received RM250 each in consolation awards.
Present to hand over the prizes to all the winners was Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh.
In his speech, Wong said that this inaugural state-level Gawai Dayak celebration and Kumang Gawai competition were organised by PSB and attended by 700 members.
“I know you have come from far and near, from Lundu in the south and from Limbang in the north, all gathered here tonight for this very meaningful occasion,” said Wong, who is also the PSB president.
Elaborating, he stressed that a social and cultural event such as the Gawai Festival provides an important occasion for the people to remove the barriers that separate our ethnically diverse people and to forge togetherness and unity among Sarawakians.
“Indeed, the theme of state-level government Gawai celebrations since 1987 has always been ‘Segulai Sejalai’ (Together in Unity). Year in and year out, the Gawai celebration theme remains ‘Segulai Sejalai’,” he said.
Also present were PSB secretary-general and Ba’ Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian, PSB deputy president and Engkelili assemblyman Johnical Rayong Ngipa, and others.
