BY AWANG MUHAMMAD SYAHMI & ELLISIA TINGASS
KUCHING: Hundreds of visitors flocked to the Iban Ethnic Arts Night 2023 on the sixth day of the Gawai Dayak 2023 celebration.
Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk John Sikie Tayai, who officiate at the ceremony, expressed his satisfaction having observed that many people came to watch the performances.
“The visitors who came here tonight are quite satisfied and happy with what we are doing with this celebration,” he told reporters at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound on Wednesday (June 21).
“The public is invited to attend and add to the vibrant atmosphere of the celebration which commemorates 60 years of Sarawak Merdeka.”
During the ceremony, Datuk John Sikie also struck a gong seven times to signal the start of the festivities.
Prior to that, there was a ‘miring’ performance, followed by an Iban cultural showcase.
Additionally, the programme featured a Gawai Bazaar with over 200 stalls selling food, drinks, handicrafts, and other goods.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan are scheduled to officiate at the closing ceremony of the celebration on June 25.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Advisor at the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Sarawak Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development), Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, and other distinguished guests.
