MIRI: Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil has defended the Kumang Gawai beauty pageant, stating that it celebrates rather than demeans Dayak women.
He was alluding to criticism from an academic who deemed the contest demeaning.
Penguang asserted the Kumang Gawai contest plays a crucial role in showcasing Dayak culture to outsiders.
He argued that participants dress decently and the event serves as a platform to promote cultural heritage.
“I disagree with the opinion that the contest demeans Dayak women.
“It is a celebration of our culture, and we present it proudly to the world,” he said during the ‘Mantar Gawai Dayak 2024’ event here last night (May 11).
The Kumang Gawai contest is a part of the Gawai Dayak celebration, an annual festival that honours the Dayak community in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Contestants are judged not only on physical appearance but also on their knowledge of Dayak traditions and cultural practices.
Penguang also urged the Dayak community to embrace modernity while preserving their cultural identity.
He stressed the importance of staying connected to their roots while adapting to the changes of the modern world.
“As we progress, it’s essential for the Dayak people to stay connected to their culture and heritage,” he said.
“The Kumang Gawai contest is a testament to our resilience and pride in our identity.”
