KUCHING: Some 750 people attended a Majlis Gawai-Raya Stakan held at the Imperial Hotel here on Saturday organised by Samarahan District Office Club in collaboration with N17 Stakan Service Centre.
The celebration was organised to enliven the festive season and the spirit of unity between the Malay and Dayak communities. It was launched by Transportation Assistant Minister, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
In his speech Dr Jerip said, “This year is special because we are able to celebrate the two festivals together.
“I would like to thank the organising committee for making this event possible and that we can celebrate the Gawai-Raya celebration together.
“This sort of event is an example for others that the differences in culture, tradition and religion are not an issue here,” he said.
Dr Jerip also addressed the issue of ‘Tanah Adat’ in terms of land documentation and perimeter survey programmes that the state government is conducting to help solve the issue.
“I hope that this issue can be settled smoothly. The Sarawak Government has taken a positive approach in handling it by conducting land documentation and perimeter survey programmes to the rural communities. The Sarawak land code which was amended this year, ensures that land that belongs to the natives are given due provisions for its perimeter survey.
“Such approach can be based on the Bidayuh experience where with the assistance of Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) together with the Land and Survey Department conducted perimeter survey programmes to the local community.
“These programmes give training to the local community to carry out survey works and to understand the boundaries on one’s land and the right of ownerships.
“This initiative by the state government would help solve the issues of ‘Tanah Adat’ and is progressing for the betterment of the people in Sarawak,” he said.
The guests present at the event did not only enjoy the food served but also enhanced unity among them.
Also present were Samarahan District Officer, Mohd Ainnie Wahab, Stakan assemblyman, Datuk Seri Mohammad Ali Mahmud and Kota Samarahan MP, Rubiah Wang.
