KUCHING: Sarawakians are being encouraged to continue displaying their rich and distinct culture to the rest of the world.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said Sarawak, which is made up of 34 ethnic groups, each possesses its own unique cultural heritage.
“As every ethnic group has its own traditional costumes, during the Gawai festival, whether it is the Bidayuh, Iban, or Orang Ulu community, they take the opportunity to showcase their cultural practises and traditional attire.
“This is also one of the reasons why Sarawak is considered blessed, as people from different races and religions appreciate and celebrate each other’s differences and uniqueness,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Tematu Gawai Festival at Kampung Tematu here last night (May 27).
The Balai Ringin assemblyman further mentioned that he recently returned from officiating at the Sarawak first pavilion at the prestigious International Travel, Meetings, and Events (IMEX) 2023 in Frankfurt, Germany, where the state has the opportunity to successfully showcase its rich heritage and other developments.
“When international visitors such as those from France, Dubai, Germany, Canada, and others visited the Sarawak pavilion, they were highly attracted to our culture and expressed interest in wanting to visit the Land of the Hornbill.
“Therefore, it is crucial for us to maintain our unity and promote to the world what it has to offer,” he said.
Snowdan also said the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah) would continue to support cultural events organised, including those held at the village level.
In support of this, he announced a personal donation of RM10,000 for Kelab Rekreasi Pengguna dan Pengurusan Dewan Serbaguna Kampung Tematu, enabling them to organise more cultural-related activities.
Meanwhile, the eighth edition of the Tematu Gawai Festival is organised by the said club in collaboration with WAIfm Bidayuh, RTM Kuching.
Among those present were Snowdan’s wife Datin Melinda Claudia Bucking-Lawan, Lubok Antu Member of Parliament Roy Angau Gingkoi, Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) chairman Tan Kai, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Datuk Peter Minos, and Tematu Gawai Festival organising chairman John Patu.
