KUCHING: The Iban phrase ‘Segulai Sejalai’, meaning ‘walking together in unity’, should continue to be embraced by both the federal and Sarawak governments as a lasting symbol of solidarity, kinship, and cohesion — values central to Malaysia’s national harmony.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala said the Dayak community remains grateful that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim embraced the phrase as a national theme.
“We, the Dayak people, still remember last year’s Gawai Dayak dinner held here, where the Prime Minister declared that Segulai Sejalai was a fitting expression of unity and harmony among Malaysians.
“We hope this meaningful phrase continues to be used by our leaders,” he said in his speech during the 2025 state-level Gawai Dayak dinner celebration held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday (Jun 22).
The event was graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Gerawat also expressed appreciation to the Sarawak government for giving the Orang Ulu community the honour of officiating this year’s National-level Gawai Dayak Celebration.
He said this recognition gives communities from Sarawak’s interior the opportunity to celebrate their unique cultures alongside the Bidayuh and Iban people.
During the celebration, Anwar presented the Dayak Icon Awards to three distinguished individuals from the Orang Ulu community, namely Jonathan Nyepa (Sports category), Francisca Luhong James (Talent category) and Mathew Ngau (Arts category).
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Dewan Negara President Senator Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.