Gawai Dayak and Kaamatan should become public holidays, according to NGOs

Malaysia – Several Dayak-based non-government organizations (NGOs) are urging the federal government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, to proclaim Pesta Keamatan in Sabah and Gawai Dayak in Sarawak, as national holidays.

The NGOs stated in a joint statement released yesterday that now is the ideal moment for the Prime Minister to establish these key festivals as public holidays, as part of his Keluarga Malaysia vision.

Deputy president of Dayak Think Tank Association Sarawak (DTTAS) Edward Awan and secretary Evelyn Julian; president of Dayak National Congress Paul Raja; president of Iban Sarawak Iban Association Samuel Suring; president of Terabai Menua (TM) Association Sarawak Wilfred Nissem; president of Persatuan Jaringan Tanah Hak Adat Bangsa Asal Sarawak (Tahabas) Romuald Siew; president of Persatuan Masyarakat Salako and Rara Sarawak (Perasa) Robert Umping, and secretary-general of Persatuan Balang Balai Nyabong (BBN) Dr John Brian are among the people who issued the statement.

Related Posts

It was noted in the statement that because Pesta Kaamatan is observed in Sabah on May 30 and 31, and Gawai Dayak is observed on June 1 and 2, the NGOs propose that May 31 and June 1 be proclaimed public holidays.

“At the same time, extra vacations for Pesta Kaamatan on May 30 and Gawai Dayak on June 2 will be kept for Sabah and Sarawak, respectively. If this can be agreed upon, it must be declared as national public holidays beginning this year,” according to the press release.

The proclamation would allow Malaysia’s Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Rungus, and Dayak people to enjoy their festivals in their hometowns rather than having to go to Sabah or Sarawak.

Apart from encouraging mutual respect, the NGOs emphasized that all parties must play a role in establishing unity and creating tighter relationships among all races. They hoped that the national calendar and planning by Federal Government departments would include these significant festivals as public holidays in appreciation of and protection of the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak’s customs, culture, and festivals.

Katherine S

1/4 German, 3/4 Malaysian. I write, follow and monitor closely political news happening in Malaysia, and other happening news in the ASEAN region. Newswriter for the best ASEAN news website - The Asian Affairs.

Recent Posts

China and UAE Celebrate 40 Years of Diplomatic Relations: All the Sectors for Partnership

Celebrating 40 years of diplomatic ties, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are poised to fortify an alliance that…

November 2, 2024

What’s in Store for Squid Game Season 2: New Twists, International Adaptations, and a Bold Return to the Games

Fans of the worldwide sensation Squid Game have much to look forward to this December as the show's producer, Hwang…

November 2, 2024

TWICE Joins Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ Tour for a Seoul Spectacle in 2025

Especially when it's the internationally known British rock band Coldplay linking up with K-pop phenomenon TWICE, few events match the…

November 2, 2024

China Caught in the Crossfire: Tensions Rise as North Korea and Russia Strengthen Alliance

Tucked on a 12-story structure in northeast China, visitors flock to get a rare view of the junction of their…

November 2, 2024

Could Westeros Dragons Soon Soar into the Big Screen? ‘Game of Thrones’ Film Reportedly in Early Development

HBO's Game of Thrones has created a void in the fantasy world of television that no other show has quite…

November 1, 2024

Preparing for U.S. Election Impact: Sen. Imee Marcos Urges Self-Reliant Defense Amid Uncertain Times

Head of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Imee Marcos underlined the need of the Philippines getting ready for…

November 1, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More