KUCHING: The Gawai Dayak as both a symbol and a means to unify the indigenous ethnic groups in the state has been institutionalised to officially recognise their identity and accept them as an integral part of Sarawak in particular and Malaysia as a whole.
In reiterating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg hopes that the festival this year could be a season for the Dayaks to engage in exchanging constructive thoughts and opinions, while enjoying themselves, to strengthen their unity even more and re-commit to becoming more active in the development process of the state.
“The Dayaks have large assets in the form of land that could be utilised for agriculture, agroforestry and/or other enterprises.
“That is why I have been urging them to get into agriculture as a business to improve their socio-economic situation,” he said in his Hari Gawai message.
While wishing all Dayaks “Selamat Hari Gawai”, he also called on all Sarawakians to be grateful to God for His grace in allowing the festival to be enjoyed in peace and relative prosperity even after a two-year onslaught by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All the pleasures we have now are made possible by the hard work of all parties under the leadership of the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) with the cooperation of the people.
“The spread of COVID-19 in Sarawak has been put under control with the vaccination programme in combination with public adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he said.
Nevertheless, he warned that although certain aspects of the SOPs for the festival have been relaxed, it is advisable for those who are unwell or have COVID-like symptoms to stay home until they regain their full health.
“In addition to that, everyone should always be careful when going from one place to another whether by land, water or air.
“Make sure that your vehicles are safe to use. Drive calmly and I hope that you always reach your destination safely,” he said.
He concluded his Hari Gawai message with, “I wish a happy Gawai Day 2022 to friends and other Dayaks who are celebrating this year.”
