KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last night joined state leaders and people of Sarawak for the 2024 state-level Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
Upon his arrival at the venue, he was welcomed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
In his welcoming speech, Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who is also the event organising committee chairman, said that his Ministry is hoping the discussion regarding matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) would yield fruitful outcomes for the continuity of education in Sarawak.
“The Honourable Datuk Seri Anwar frequently receives our visits at the office in Putrajaya.
“We look forward to the efforts and hard work invested bearing fruit in the near future. If we reflect for a moment, these outcomes are part of the harvest that we rightfully celebrate during the Gawai festival,” he said.
He also said that like any other celebration, Gawai Dayak is a festival celebrated to mark the harvest season, and the celebration is also held as a sign of gratitude.
“The traditional customs of the celebration have been decreasing over time, but the spirit of the celebration continues vigorously with the incorporation of new elements.
“Indeed, the Gawai festival is a manifestation of the harmony among the diverse ethnic groups and traditions that form the unique culture of our beloved country, Malaysia,” said Sagah.
This year’s event with the theme ‘Segulai Sejalai’, ‘Indi Awang, Indi Asung’ is hosted by the Bidayuh community.
Also present at the event was the Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
///
