MERADONG: Strong participation by young people in Gawai Antu celebrations is helping to ensure one of the Dayak community’s most significant cultural traditions continues to thrive across generations.
Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing said the ancestral ritual remains an important cultural heritage that reflects respect for departed family members while preserving values and customs handed down through generations.
He said the continued observance of Gawai Antu is crucial to safeguarding Dayak identity amid rapid development and social change.
“I am proud to see the active involvement of the younger generation in continuing the Gawai Antu tradition.
“This shows that our cultural heritage remains strong and continues to be upheld by the community, especially the youth,” he said.
Ding made the remarks during Gawai Antu celebrations at longhouses along Sungai Mador, Sungai Baron and Sungai Kesa on Wednesday (Jun 3).
He said the event serves not only as a ceremony to honour and remember deceased family members but also as an occasion that strengthens family ties and reunites relatives from various places.
“Events such as this help foster unity among family members and the wider community while ensuring our cultural heritage is not forgotten,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ding urged the people to continue supporting the Sarawak government led by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to ensure development initiatives can be carried out effectively and continuously.
He said the state government remains committed to delivering inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in rural areas, through improvements in infrastructure, public amenities and efforts to raise living standards.
Ding added that cultural preservation and development should go hand in hand so communities can benefit from progress without losing their traditional roots.
