KUCHING: Gagasan NGO Sarawak is urging the Federal Government to declare Hari Kaamatan in Sabah and Hari Gawai Dayak in Sarawak as public holidays across the country.
In line with the “Malaysia Madani” concept inspired by the new Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, it is now time for the Federal Government to acknowledge the celebrations of Hari Gawai Dayak on June 1 in Sarawak and Pesta Kaamatan on May 31 in Sabah as national public holidays.
The NGO stated in a press release today (Feb 20), “Perhaps due to various reasons, political leaders from Sarawak or KDMR Sabah have been reluctant to address the issue of public holidays for Hari Gawai and Hari Kaamatan in the Dewan Rakyat since they participated in the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
“Let us, as NGOs representing Sarawak and Sabah, speak up for the Dayak community of Borneo, which is still unrecognized in the national calendar despite our ancestors agreeing to the formation of Malaysia in 1963.”
“Therefore, we request, based on equality, that Hari Gawai and Hari Kaamatan for the Dayak community in Sarawak and KDMR Sabah be declared national public holidays.
“As Hari Kaamatan in Sabah is celebrated on May 30 and 31 and Gawai Dayak in Sarawak is celebrated on June 1 and 2, we suggest declaring national public holidays for Hari Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak on May 31 and June 1.
“Meanwhile, the additional holidays of May 30 for Pesta Kaamatan and June 2 for Hari Gawai Dayak will still be observed in Sabah and Sarawak. If approved, it should be announced as a national public holiday starting this year.”
The declaration of May 31 and June 1 as national public holidays throughout Malaysia is crucial as it signifies the Federal Government’s improved treatment towards the regions of Sabah and Sarawak.
This, in turn, will enhance understanding and appreciation of culture and traditions at workplaces and residences where the celebrations take place, enlightening colleagues and friends about the unique multicultural society in Malaysia.
“At the same time, it will provide an opportunity for the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Rungus, and Dayak communities working and residing across Malaysia to celebrate Hari Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak in their respective homes, especially for those unable to return to their hometowns in Sabah and Sarawak.”
The position of Sabah and Sarawak in the Malaysian Federation is unique, and we hope that this action is one of the steps in respecting the rights of the people of Sabah and Sarawak as stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement (MA63).
“Sarawak is now officially recognized as a partner with Peninsular Malaysia through amendments to Article 1(2) and Article 160(2).”
The practice of mutual respect among various religions and ethnicities has been a strength in political stability, security, and harmony in the diverse communities of Sarawak and Sabah.
Therefore, the proposal to declare Hari Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak as national public holidays aims to prompt the Federal Government to address the lack of awareness regarding the cultural celebrations of indigenous communities in Sarawak.
“We hope that if this action is taken by the Federal Government, it will protect the interests of the customs, culture, and celebrations of the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak.”
