Gawai procession a platform for Bidayuh to promote culture

by NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY & SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
 
KUCHING: The Brarak and Bipajak Gawai Bisegu 2023 is a platform for the Bidayuh Bisegu community here to promote their culture.
 
Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Willie Mongin said that this inaugural programme commemorates the culture and tradition of Hari Gawai, especially in the Bisegu community itself.
 
“As this is the first time such a programme has been organised, I can see that it has received an overwhelming response by the community.
 
“Therefore, efforts to continue this programme annually will be done with more excitement,” he told reporters when met after the procession at Kampung Bunuk here yesterday (June 3).
 
At the same time, he expressed his hope that this event could be used by the youth in the village as a platform for commemorating their historic culture.
 
“I hope that the young people use this platform as an effort to remember our culture so that it is not lost to time,” he said.
 
The procession was organised by the Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP) in collaboration with the Kampung Segu Benuk village development and security committee.
 
It aims to foster and strengthen family ties among the Bisegu community in addition to fueling the spirit of togetherness and unity among all members of the community.
 
In addition, it is also an effort to preserve and uphold the spirit and tradition of Gawai, especially among the younger generation of Bisegu.
 
Among the highlights of Brarak and Bipajak Gawai Bisegu are a cultural performance by the participating contingent, storytelling, and a singing performance by local Bidayuh artists, namely Rozie Mila, Ceasar, Stephanie, and Dino.
 
This Hari Gawai celebration is open to all communities to foster an inclusive environment where individuals from various backgrounds can come and join.