BINTULU: Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, has suggested that the federal government should officially declare Gawai Dayak as a national holiday.
In line with the Unity Government concept led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Ugak said that granting recognition to Gawai Dayak as a public holiday would allow all Malaysians to come together and celebrate this important occasion.
“I hope that this proposal can be presented to the cabinet for consideration and approval,” said Ugak during Gawai Dayak open house at his residence in Jalan Sebiew here today (June 4).
He further added, “If Hari Raya and Chinese New Year are national holidays, it would only be fair for Gawai Dayak to be included as well.”
Ugak also said that the recognition of Gawai Dayak as a public holiday would benefit the Dayak community who reside and work in Peninsular Malaysia and are unable to return home for the festivities.
“If Sarawak can declare a holiday for Gawai Dayak, why shouldn’t the whole of Malaysia do the same? It would be a meaningful gesture towards honouring the Dayak community in our country.”
