KUCHING: The Gawai Dayak festival is a symbol of unity and identity for Sarawak’s Dayak communities, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the Dayaks should unite to pursue development along with the other races in the state.
“As a responsible leader, I don’t want any race in this state to be left behind in terms of development.
“I hope that this festive season will be a platform to exchange ideas and opinions towards strengthening unity and aspirations for greater involvement in Sarawak’s development,” he said in his Gawai message yesterday.
Abang Johari called on all Sarawakians to share the festive joy by celebrating Gawai together.
“This is the time for us to visit one another and wish our Dayak friends a happy Gawai,” he said.
Gawai, the harvest festival celebrated by the Dayaks in Sarawak, falls on June 1 and 2.
Abang Johari said the Dayaks own a big asset in the form of land, which should be tapped to generate revenue through various means.
In line with this, he said the state government will continue to provide infrastructure facilities to support rural development.
“This will require large expenditure, but I believe it can be done in stages as the state’s revenue continues to rise,” he said, noting that Sarawak recorded RM12bil in revenue last year compared with RM7.62bil in 2021.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak can expect a bright future with economic growth based on technology, data and innovation.
He said Sarawak has the potential to produce hydrogen as a source of fuel for vehicles.
“Sarawak has also demonstrated its ability to produce sustainable aviation fuel from algae,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said Gawai is an opportunity for the Dayak communities to strengthen their unity among themselves and with all other races.
He said a proven way to do this is to celebrate communal festivities together, including Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai and Christmas.
“Let us continue our tradition of ‘ngabang’ or visiting each other’s open houses to spread goodwill, harmony and unity,” he said.