Local TV stations should highlight Gawai celebration — DTTG
MIRI: More than 60 per cent of Sarawakians are members of the Dayak community made up of ethnic groups such as Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Orang Ulu and others.
Though they may have different cultures and tradition, they have one thing in common – they all celebrate Gawai Dayak on June 1 every year.
“Sarawakians, especially the Dayak community are aggrieved that several Malaysian TV stations including RTM are not playing commercials or documentaries about the Dayak, in conjunction with the coming Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1 and 2.
“What saddens us the most is that this biggest celebration of the Dayak community in Sarawak is not given much attention, as though it is not as important as other festivals in Malaysia,” said Dayak Think Tank Group (DTTG) Miri publicity chief Thony Badak.
According to him, Gawai is a celebration that marks the end of the harvest season and the welcoming of a new season.
He added that Gawai Dayak celebration is always filled with traditions and cultures which are passed on from generation to generation, along with mystical elements. The festive occasion is celebrated grandly especially in longhouses, where family members from far and near unite for the occasion.
“We humbly request RTM and other TV stations in Malaysia to give some space for Gawai Dayak advertisements and also run documentaries about the Dayak community in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak festival this year.
“This will also help promote the vibrancy of our multiracial communities who are living together in harmony in Sarawak,” he said.
Thony pointed out that by portraying the significance of Gawai Dayak in TV stations, other races in the country will also know the Dayak culture and tradition. This might also interest them to visit Sarawak and see the unique culture of the ethnic communities.