KUCHING: The Tun Jugah Foundation has suggested that June 1 should be called Gawai Dayak, according to a recent statement.
This comes after conflicting opinions from Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai and president of the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) Sidi Munan, regarding the term “Gawai.”
The foundation explained that using the label “Gawai Dayak” would prevent confusion with other traditional Gawai celebrations like Gawai Antu, Gawai Kenyalang, and Gawai Tuah.
It clarified that the traditional Gawai is a ceremony rich in rituals and taboos, while Gawai Dayak is a social festival celebrated by the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities.
Furthermore, the foundation said that the traditional Gawai is exclusively celebrated by the Iban community and is still practiced today.
To provide more information to the public, the Tun Jugah Foundation has published a book titled ‘Adat Gawai’ as a reference.
Recently, Sidi raised concerns about the omission of the word “Dayak” from the greeting “Selamat Gawai” in advertisements. Sidi considered this omission, whether intentional or accidental, a serious matter because Gawai simply refers to a celebration.
On the other hand, Sikie expressed the view that it is not necessary to include the word “Dayak” when wishing “Selamat Hari Gawai” to all those celebrating the occasion. He believed that the greeting “Selamat Hari Gawai” is sufficient to signify that the celebration is for the Dayak community.
