BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & AMYLY YONG
KUCHING: The launch of Sumbangsih Gawai 2025 marked a historic first, as it offered contributions to civil servants who will be on duty during the Gawai celebration.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the contributions were extended to listed agencies, including uniformed services.
“I would like to express my appreciation to the Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, and her partners for preparing this contribution for our friends who will be working during Gawai,” he said.
“I have always reminded Fatimah that we should extend a small token of appreciation to our Dayak friends who are on duty during the Gawai festival.
“Under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, I have also suggested to Fatimah that we emphasise the aspect of keterangkuman, or inclusivity,” he added.
He said this in his speech during the Sumbangsih Gawai 2025 Ceremony held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building today.
Abang Johari stressed that through the PCDS 2030, he had proposed some form of assistance to those who serve during festive seasons.
During last Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Abang Johari assured that the Sarawak government will extend the annual Raya Sumbangsih to other celebration or festivities.
“Not only during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, but also during Chinese New Year, and now, the Gawai Dayak celebration. That’s why we are holding this ceremony, and coincidentally, we are hosting it at the DUN building as a mark of respect to the Dayak community celebrating Gawai,” he said.
“We offer assistance with sincere intentions, whether it’s in the form of respect, education, or other support such as aid, and God willing, next year, we will offer free education at the university level for all Sarawakian students studying at Sarawak-owned local universities.
“When we implement inclusive and straightforward policies, even though they may involve costs, with good intentions, God will help us in sustaining and increasing our resources,” he said.
