KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to attend the 2025 State-Level Gawai Dinner on June 22, which will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
According to Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, invitations have also been extended to the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Based on the information we’ve received, the Prime Minister is keen to attend. He was also present at last year’s Gawai dinner.
“The evening at BCCK will feature various activities, including a parade of Kumang and Keling representing different regions, showcasing traditional attire, along with other captivating cultural performances,” he said.
Gerawat said this to the media following the State-Level Gawai Dayak Open House held at BCCK last Sunday.
Earlier that day, both Wan Junaidi and Abang Johari were present at the open house, which attracted an estimated crowd of 3,000.
Gerawat, who also chairs the Gawai celebration’s working committee, mentioned that four main events had been planned for this year’s Gawai celebration, namely the Gawai Bazaar, which was held at MJC Batu Kawa from May 15 to 25, the State-Level Gawai Dayak Open House, the Gawai Parade on June 21, and the highlight of the celebration: the State-Level Gawai Dinner on June 22.
Speaking about the parade, Gerawat said it will start from the Tun Jugah building and end at the Kuching Waterfront, featuring 90 participating cultural groups.
“Our guest of honour for the parade will be the Premier of Sarawak.
“We encourage the public and tourists to come and witness this; it’s one of the finest showcases of Dayak culture during the procession,” he added.
Regarding the open house last Sunday, which was hosted by the Orang Ulu community, Gerawat said it featured performances representing Orang Ulu culture as well as other Dayak groups such as the Bidayuh and Iban.
The event also included performances by the Dayak Cultural Foundation, cultural presentations from the National Kenyah Association of Malaysia, and gong performances by the Bisaya community.
