KUCHING: A group of Dayak NGOs is urging on the federal government to declare Gawai and Kaamatan as public holidays across the country.
The leaders of the NGOs, namely Wellie Henry Majang (DTTAS), Paul Raja (DNC), Samuel Suring (PAIS), Michael M Jok (SCRIPS), Rafael Dru (SADIA Miri), Wilfred Nissem (Persatuan Terabai Menua), Robert Umping (PERASA) and Romuald Siew (TAHABAS) said that by declaring the festivities as public holidays, it will preserve the customs and culture of Sabah and Sarawak.
The group of NGOs added that this can also be an initiative for the government in creating awareness to the public on the festivities happening in Sarawak and Sabah.
“As Kaamatan in Sabah is celebrated on May 30 and 31 and Gawai in Sarawak is celebrated on June 1 and 2, we suggest that public holidays throughout the country for Kaamatan and Gawai to be on May 31 and June 1.
“The additional holidays on May 30 for Kaamatan and June 2 for Gawai will still be on in Sabah and Sarawak respectively.
“If agreed, it should be gazetted as a public holiday for the entire country starting this year,” they said in a joint statement today (Jan 13),
The NGOs added that this is in line with the concept of the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and that the time has come to declare Kaamatan and Gawai as public holidays throughout the country.
By declaring May 30 and June 1 as public holidays in Malaysia, the representatives said it would show that the federal government is not excluding East Malaysians.
“Thus, the celebration at their workplace and residence will also provide one with knowledge, understanding of culture and tradition to their friends and colleagues about the uniqueness of the plural society in Malaysia.
“At the same time, those from Borneo who work and live in the peninsula can have the chance to celebrate Kaamatan and Gawai in their respective homes, especially for those who are unable to return to their hometowns.
“We hope that this can be done to respect the rights of the people of Sabah and Sarawak as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” the NGOs said.
