KUCHING: The Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) was bustling with about 2,000 attendees from diverse ethnic backgrounds last night at the National Gawai Dayak 2023 celebration hosted in the venue. Attendees began arriving as early as 5:30 pm.
This year’s event theme, ‘Segulai Sejalai’ (Together in Unity), emphasized the importance of unity among the various ethnic groups in the state. Distinguished guests present at the event included Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and Deputy Premier cum Gawai Dayak main organizing committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The ceremony featured interesting programs, including the Gendang Pampat performance and song performances by local artists such as Ricky El, Melissa Francis, Rozzie Mila, and Eddie Kuwing.
For 59-year-old Graman Ringgi, the celebration is a good avenue for showcasing the various races and ethnicities in the state. “It shows the good harmony of Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole. Sarawak can also be a good example of unity among the citizens of all races in the state,” he said when met by New Sarawak Tribune.
Meanwhile, 71-year-old Temenggong Henry Sadok said the celebration was different as it was for the whole community in the state. “Unity is not just a topic of conversation in Sarawak. People outside the state also talk about our unity,” Henry said.
Fifty-eight-year-old Julliya said she had always attended past Gawai Dayak celebrations. “I’m very excited to meet the Prime Minister and see how he interacts with Sarawakians,” she said.
