BINTULU: Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) held a spirited Gawai Dayak celebration at a restaurant here on May 10, drawing more than 500 party leaders, members and supporters from across Sarawak.
It was reportedly the largest gathering since the party was re-registered on August 28, 2013.
The event, hosted by PBDS Bintulu division, was the fourth consecutive annual celebration held in the division since 2022.
It was officiated by party president, Mejar (Rtd) Moses Ripai, with the opening ceremony led by permanent chairman, Dr John Brian Anthony.
Also present were representatives from local NGOs and community organisations, reinforcing the party’s message of cultural unity and solidarity.
In his address, Moses called on the Dayak community to safeguard their adat (customs), culture, traditions, livelihoods, script (aksara), as well as arts and literature.
He stressed the need for a strong and unified identity under the ‘One Dayak’ banner.
He reiterated the relevance of the ‘Dayak Ngaduka Dayak’ (Dayak serves Dayak) philosophy, describing it as a self-help doctrine that strengthens intra-community support while encouraging inter-ethnic cooperation with Chinese, Malay and other communities.
“I reminded guests of the importance of proactive participation,” he said.
Moses also paid tribute to iconic Dayak figures such as the late Datuk Seri Tra Zehnder, Barbara Meyi, Julia Linang, Vida Bayang and Gladys Janting for their crucial roles in advocating for the gazettement of June 1 and 2 as public holidays for Gawai Dayak in Sarawak.
The event reflected PBDS’ renewed commitment to foster cultural pride, political engagement, and solidarity among Dayaks.
