KUCHING: The multiracial and multireligious unity and harmony – the hallmark of Sarawak for decades – among various races in the state was clearly featured in the ngiling bidai (mat rolling) ceremony at two longhouses in Kalaka recently.
The mat rolling ceremony, also known as ngiling tikai, was organised by Kalaka branch of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) at Brues Longhouse, Sungai Antu on June 24 and at Anta Longhouse, Jelupang Atas the next day.
What caught the attention of those present was the presence of various races who participated in the unique and important ceremony which marked the closing of Gawai Dayak – one of Sarawak’s major festivals.
Those present noticed the high level of tolerance among the people of various races and religions that has long been inculcated among Sarawakians.
The ngiling bidai ceremony was attended by among other leaders, Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri and his predecessor Datuk Abdul Wahab bin Aziz.
In his speech, chairman of PDP Kalaka branch, Khairul Azizi bin Abdul Wahab, said arrangements were made in the early part of the year to hold the mat rolling ceremony as they had expected the COVID-19 threat to subside mid-year.
“The celebration of ngiling bidai throughout Sarawak gives a clear indication of how strong the spirit of ‘Satu Sarawak’ or ‘Sayangku Sarawak’ is among the locals,” he said.
Khairul stressed the importance of unity to maintain harmony among the multi-racial communities in Kalaka in particular, and in Saratok in general.
Meanwhile, in his brief speech at Brues Longhouse, Sungai Antu, Mohamad Duri advised the people, especially in Saratok, to always strive to maintain the existing unity.
“In the event if there are minor differences – be it religious, racial or political – they must be addressed by all parties concerned prudently and wisely,” he said.
The Kalaka representative felt that only with unity among the locals, development projects in and outside the constituency could be implemented perfectly.
Abdul Wahab, the former Kalaka assemblyman, took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the people’s undivided support in Kalaka during his tenure as their representative for 30 years.
He also thanked the voters who gave the same support to Mohamad Duri and voted for him in the 12th state election last December.
Abdul Wahab hoped that the support given to him and his successor would continue in the coming 15th general election (GE15), which is widely speculated to be held in the later part of the year.
“The people of Kalaka and the people of Saratok must act wisely by voting for any candidate nominated by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“As long as the candidate is nominated by the top leadership of PDP and GPS, we must support him,” he said.
Although he is no longer their representative, Abdul Wahab admitted that the people of Kalaka and Saratok were still close to his heart.
