Quite festive: Premier pleased with Gawai turnout at Deputy Premier’s open house

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 1: Long queues formed outside the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex here as early as 9am today as thousands of visitors turned up for Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas’ Hari Gawai Dayak 2026 Open House.

The festive atmosphere was evident from the outset, with guests from various backgrounds gathering to celebrate one of Sarawak’s most significant cultural festivals.

Earlier, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg joined Uggah and other guests of honour in witnessing muka kujuk, an Iban customary observance marking the formal opening of the food spread for visitors.

Inside the hall, guests were treated to an extensive feast featuring fried mee mamak, white rice, chicken pansuh with tepus, deep-fried tenggiri fish, Nestum butter prawns, mixed vegetables with oyster sauce and oxtail soup with potatoes.

Traditional favourites such as beef and chicken satay, lemang with peanut sauce, Sarawak laksa, kek lapis, butter cake and pineapple tarts were also among the offerings.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Abang Johari described this year’s Gawai celebrations as lively despite global economic uncertainties.

“On behalf of my family and colleagues in the Cabinet, I wish everyone a Happy Hari Gawai. Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai.

“As we know, this year’s Gawai appears to be ‘agak meriah’ (quite festive) even though the economy is uncertain, and the weather has also been favourable,” he said.

Commenting on the growing visibility of Gawai celebrations, including cultural processions organised by Dayak communities, Abang Johari said Sarawak’s unique traditions are increasingly gaining recognition beyond the State.

He said the State’s television and digital platforms have played an important role in showcasing Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity to audiences across Malaysia and abroad.

“I can see that our culture has been successfully translated and appreciated by Malaysians because we have our own television platform (TVS) that showcases the uniqueness of our culture.

“This can be seen by communities throughout Malaysia, and through YouTube, it can also be exposed to the international community.

“This will attract people to learn more about the lives of Sarawakians who come from different races and religions and celebrate festivals such as Gawai together,” he added.

Abang Johari also expressed appreciation to members of the media for helping to promote and preserve Sarawak’s cultural heritage.

“I would also like to thank the journalists because they too have helped enliven and promote this culture,” he pointed out.

Among those present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Federal Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. — DayakDaily

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