KUCHING: Gawai Dayak is for unity and goodwill and not for overt or covert politicking, said chairman of Bung Bratak Heritage Association Datuk Peter Minos.
According to Minos, all these years till this year, Gawai Dayak has been faithfully used by the Dayaks (Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu) for the creation and promotion of goodwill and unity among themselves and with others.
He said in the past, Gawai Dayak was when Dayaks thanked the Almighty for the bountiful rice harvest as well as for resting and merry-making.
“But starting this year, sorry to say, it seems that some people and groups are holding Gawai apparently with a subtle intention to promote themselves and their parties and leaders politically.
“Some say it is Gawai Dayak with a silent political motive. If so, this is not too good and not with the right spirit of the real Gawai,” said Minos, who is also chairman of Kota Sanarahan Municipal Council.
The Dayaks, he said must put back Gawai as it originally was – a time to rekindle friendship, generate goodwill and unity apart from the usual modest partying and merry-making, and say no to politicking (if there really was) silently or opaquely.
“There is of course other times for politicking and it is here that Dayaks can think of how to unite politically and stop their political fragmentation and division; use political unity for economic emancipation and betterment; create a better economic future in Malaysia and catch up with other races economically and educationally.
“There is also time, but not during Gawai, to ponder and think about how community group interests become top priority that can override personal interests in the political arena.
“If the attitude is every man for himself at the expense of Dayak group interests, then the Dayaks will forever be divided into many political parties and have no strength to rise up economically,” he said.
Thus, he said, let Gawai be Gawai, separate from politicking.
“In the meantime, we look eagerly to the grand Gawai Dayak to be held on June 15 in Kuching. Happy Gawai to all fellow Dayaks wherever they are,” said Minos.
The Dayaks in Sarawak will celebrate Gawai Dayak on May 31 and June 1.
