KUCHING: 1,000 guests are expected to attend the State-Level Gawai Dayak Dinner 2017 at Imperial Hotel here on 17 June.
Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas told a press conference this after chairing a meeting of the Main Committee of the Gawai Dayak 2017 at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Petra Jaya here yesterday.
Uggah, who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, explained that the aims of the event were to strengthen the relationships and cooperation between the various ethnic groups in Sarawak as well as boost the Gawai Dayak celebration this year.
It was also to recognise the contributions and participation of the Dayaks in the socio-economic development of Malaysia generally and Sarawak especially.
He added the celebration was an annual event by the Dayak community which was organised in rotation among the ethnic groups in Sarawak.
“Based on rotation, the Orang Ulu community will be the event organiser and Mulu State Assemblyman, Datuk Gerawat Gala has been selected to lead the organising committee for this year.
“His Excellency, Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Raghad Kurdi Taib as well as Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Datuk Amar Datin Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang will attend the ceremony.
“In addition, ministers and assistant ministers at the state and federal level are also expected to be present to enliven the ceremony,” Uggah said, adding that the ceremony would begin at 9pm to honour Muslims during the fasting month.
To enliven the event, the organisers will hold Gawai Bazaar as well as exhibitions and sales of handicrafts and traditional snacks of various ethnic groups in Sarawak in the hotel foyer.
“In addition, invited guests will be treated to pre-Gawai performances and a cocktail reception before the dinner.
“In conjunction with this event, several traditional music groups such as Jatung Lutang from Belaga, the Bamboo Band from Lawas, sape players, guest artistes as well as dancers from the Dayak Cultural Foundation and Sarawak Cultural Village will present the cultural dances,” Uggah added,
The highlight of the evening will be the Gawai Toast or “Acara Minum Ai Pengayu” which will be led by Taib. It will be participated by all the guests, accompanied by the Kumang and Keling of the Ibans, Bidayuhs and Orang Ulus who will march during the event.
