Gawai celebration is Dayak symbol of identity

LABUAN: Dayak community should remember that Gawai celebration is to remind them of their identity as well as their culture, said a Sarawak Assemblyman, Mong Anak Dagang.

He said it should become a symbol of unity and aspiration and this would be recognition to the Dayak race.

“The Gawai Dayak celebration is not just a merry making occasion but most importantly a time for them to look back at their progress in all fields,” he said.

Speaking at a Gawai celebration here, Mong said that the community should use the occasion as a platform to foster good relations and remain united.

He reminded the community to also organize economic and educational forum activities as well as finding ways in preserving their culture for posterity during the Gawai holidays.

Labuan MP Datuk Yussof Mahal who attended the event said cultural diversity in the country must be preserved.

He shared similar views that the people regardless of their races must strive to maintain good relations with other races.

The MP donated RM5,000 to the Dayak Labuan Association for its various activities.

Meanwhile, the association President Andrew Lamit said that the association had been playing its role by helping its members who are in need through its education fund.

“We assist the members’ children who excel in studies, and this is part of the role to ensure our community is not lagging behind in education,” he said.

In another development the Labuan Dayak Association announced its new line up for 2008/2009, which is a combination of new and old faces.

Andrew Lamit was elected as president, Winston Chulin Serang (vice-president), Eden Salang (secretary), Ahday Banta (assistant secretary), Stephen Janong (treasurer), Amok Dagat (welfare committee member), Andrey Ambing (publicity), Wilter Jonathan (education), Bascaco Jabat (youth), Gekko Birong (sport, culture and recreation), Mejar Dennis Kueh and Joshua Suring (auditors) and Cherylnna Matu (women).

The new line up was decided during its annual general meeting recently.

More activities would be organized to benefit the community on the island especially on the economic, welfare and education fronts.