LUNDU: Unity among the Dayak community in the state, despite their diverse ethnic backgrounds, is currently at an all-time high.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this was best amplified during the many pre-Gawai Dayak celebrations that he had attended since early this month.
“I was in Miri for a similar gathering at the divisional level yesterday. There, a total of 28 Dayak different groups had collaborated to make a great success of the gathering.
“Meanwhile, in Betong , the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu associations and their respective community members too had worked together to celebrate.
“I am very pleased to notice this very strong unity among us and the non — Dayak as well. Tonight here the Selako, Bidayuh and the Iban communities have taken the initiative to organise this Gawai and the Niti Daun procession in the morning,” he said.
Uggah was speaking during the Lundu District Pre-Gawai Dayak gathering at the Lundu community hall last night (May 22).
He added that even during the recent State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, no Dayak elected representatives were sitting in the opposition bench.
“Why? This is because we all want development. Our very strong unity will immensely assist our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in administering Sarawak, planning and bringing in more developments.
“Let us all make it our commitment to unite strongly despite coming from many different ethnic groups with different cultures and traditions,” he said.
On the Lundu district, Uggah said it was seeing and enjoying more development now.
“I am most happy for the Opar constituency which has returned to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) fold. Both its assemblyman Billy Sujang and his neighbouring assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan from Tanjong Datu are young and very energetic.
“They are in the position to do more great things for Lundu,” said Uggah.
At the function Uggah presented a grant of RM50,000 to the Lundu Gawai Dayak organising committee which was received by Billy.