KUCHING: The official invitation to the Gawai Dayak 2026 Dinner was presented yesterday (June 15) to Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife.
The invitation was presented during a courtesy call by the state-level Gawai Dayak 2026 Dinner Main Committee at Astana Negeri Sarawak.
The delegation was led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also chairman of the organising committee. Earlier in the day, Uggah chaired the Main Committee Meeting for the Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026 at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
During the courtesy call, Uggah formally invited Wan Junaidi and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, to attend the Gawai Dayak 2026 Dinner, which will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on June 21.
The organising committee also briefed the couple on the programme itinerary and key highlights of the upcoming celebration.
During the meeting, Wan Junaidi emphasised the importance of preserving, documenting and promoting Sarawak’s cultural heritage and traditions as a legacy for future generations.
He noted that Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity, reflected in its more than 30 ethnic groups, is among the state’s greatest strengths, with each community possessing its own unique history, language, customs and traditions.
As such, he said efforts to highlight and preserve these distinct cultural identities should continue to be strengthened to ensure they remain relevant and appreciated by younger generations.
Wan Junaidi and Fauziah also expressed appreciation to the organising committee for its commitment and dedication in ensuring that the annual Gawai Dayak celebration continues to serve as an important platform for fostering unity, harmony and togetherness among Sarawakians.
Also present were Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Law and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, and Sarawak Public Works Department deputy director Josenthiana Manggie.
