KUCHING: The ‘Pekit Kumang’ pageant, which showcases the beauty and talent of Dayak women, is not exclusively tied to the Gawai Dayak festival and can be conducted at any time.
In a statement, Sri Aman MP Datuk Sri Doris Sophia Brodie said although traditionally held during the Gawai Dayak, the event is named ‘Pekit Kumang Gawai Dayak’ because it coincides with the festival, but it could be organised independently.
Doris said that ‘Kumang’ signifies a legend among the Ibans, embodying qualities such as grace, intelligence and beauty.
She praised the Dayak maidens for their courage and confidence in participating and parading in traditional costumes, which she views as empowering rather than demeaning.
Speaking to 46 participants and trainers from the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEX) Betong at the ‘Pengelandik Jari’ course, Doris encouraged them to embrace and showcase their culture proudly.
The course, organised by the Senadin PRS Women Division, took place from May 11 to May 12 at the Kampung Pengkalan Lutong Community Hall.
Doris also stressed the importance of authenticity, talent, intelligence, and cultural knowledge in pageants, beyond mere physical beauty. She urged future ‘Pekit Kumang’ or ‘Pekit Keling’ events to evaluate participants more comprehensively, considering their skills, language, and knowledge of traditional customs.
Responding to Professor Jayum Jawan’s critique of the Kumang beauty pageants as demeaning, Doris acknowledged his entitlement to his opinion but defended the tradition, noting its significance in Dayak culture.
She argued that many Dayaks, now urban dwellers and not adherents of their traditional pagan faith, celebrate Gawai Dayak in varied ways. However, she said that the essence of the harvest festivals remains meaningfully observed.
Doris celebrated the evolution of Dayak Harvest Festivals, adapting over time due to urbanisation and modernisation without losing their core significance.
She lauded the Senadin PRS Women Division for successfully hosting the ‘Pengelandik Jari’ course, which focused on traditional Iban costume elements like ‘sugu tinggi’, ‘kain burek’, and ‘tango’, and encouraged them to take pride in their cultural achievements.
Also present were Cr Misiah Abdullah, organising chairman and Women Chief PRS Senadin; Dr. Andrew Emparan, manager of CENTEX Betong; Jetli Jelian, PRS permanent chairman; Rosaline Neging, political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak; Cr Rantai Achin, PRS Senadin division chairman; and David Upe, PRS Bukit Kota Division chairman.
