KUCHING: Using an Iban phrase ‘Segulai Sejalai’ which means together with each other as a unity slogan nationwide is appropriate for a diverse country like Malaysia.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the phrase has a broad meaning of unity; which reflects the unity among various races in Sarawak as well as the whole nation.
“I’m happy the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the Iban phrase from Sarawak, which we have been using as our tagline for the Gawai festival since the 80s.
“It’s also very appropriate for a diverse country like Malaysia, and it has been working well for Sarawak,” he told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu also expressed his appreciation to the prime minister for adopting the ‘Segulai Sejalai’ slogan as part of the Malaysia MADANI concept.
“In the spirit of Malaysian unity there is nothing more suitable than ‘Segulai Sejalai’; together in unity we all could face challenges and calamities,” he said.
“The Dayak community has been using this slogan for Gawai festival since 1988; and I hope all Malaysians will stay united together and like what our Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said “you touch one, you touch all”,” he added.
On Wednesday, Anwar had decided to use the phrase; ‘Segulai Sejalai’, the motto of the national level Gawai Dayak celebration which he attended here – as a unity slogan nationwide.
“Whenever I discuss and speak about unity, solidarity and cooperation, I will mention Segulai Sejalai to emphasise my message,” he said when speaking at the launching ceremony.
