• From left: Dr. Stephen Rundi, Dato’ Seri Celestine Ujang, Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing as well as Datuk Michael Manyin Ja-wong at the divisional-level Gawai Dayak dinner. 

• Manyin (centre), with James Kato on his right, leading the others in the toast to usher in the Gawai Dayak.

Instead, it ought to be a season for nurturing good values, remembering one’s roots, and to be humble about one’s achievements.

These were among the thoughts of Environment and Public Health Minister Datuk Michael Manyin Ja-wong which he voiced out at Bintulu divisional-level Gawai Dayak dinner at the civic centre on Saturday night.

“Forget about your political, ideological, communal, and religious differences during Gawai. Just enjoy the celebration,” he said.

However, he reminded them not to lose sight of the current less-than-favourable economic situation so that they would not overspend.

“We ought to think of the future. Don’t get lost in the merry-making if we want to progress alongside others,” he said. Looking back, he recalled how Gawai Dayak used to be a harvest festival and a time of expressing gratitude to God.

“Nowadays, many Dayaks don’t harvest anything as they have settled down in urban centres. For them, the Gawai Dayak has taken on a rather different but still significant meaning,” he said.

Earlier, Kemena assemblyman Dr Stepen Rundi Utom, who is also the divisional advisor to the celebration committee, urged the Dayaks to capitalise on opportunities afforded by the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE). “Don’t just be bystanders,” he said.

He said as Bintulu was strategically located, it provided a wider scope of challenges in terms of businesses and job opportunities.

Local member of parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Bintulu Resident Dr Razali Abon, Senator Pau Chiong Ung, penghulus and other community leaders, and senior government officers were among those present at the dinner.