There have been instances where Gawai Dayak and ‘ngiling bidai’ (closing of Gawai) are organised by the non-Dayak community for the fun of it. This is strange.
Then there are those who celebrate Gawai, but skip ‘ngiling bidai’. This is strange.
Certain quarters organise ‘ngiling bidai’, but did not celebrate Gawai. This is strange.
At the moment, there is no specific duration for the Gawai celebration. This means the ‘ngiling bidai’ can be held at anytime. This is strange.
Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan, who observed these over the years, said steps must be taken to ‘standardise’ the celebration to ensure that it did not deviate from its true spirit
“A standardised celebration will prevent this signature cultural occasion of the Dayak community from being abused by those who have shallow understanding of Dayak cultures,” he said at a ‘ngiling bidai’ ceremony at Rumah Matu Dingun, Sungai Sawa,
Engkamop Road, here on Saturday.
To straighten things out, he said there were many issues which needed to be looked into.
“To start the ball rolling, my ministry will initiate a special forum involving Dayak NGOs (non-governmental organisations).
“I hope the participants will give positive and constructive inputs so that the forum will yield positive results.”
Mawan said among the other areas which need to be looked into is the duration of the celebration.
“I suggest that the celebration be only one month long. As Gawai Dayak is celebrated on June 1 every year, the most appropriate date to hold a `ngiling bidai’ ceremony should be fixed on June 30.”
He lamented that currently the ceremony could be held at any time because there was no specific duration for the Gawai celebration.
“Even if the festive occasion is too good to be stopped, it has to conclude by a certain time to enable everyone to get on with their lives.”
Mawan added that only the Dayak community could organise Gawai or `ngiling bidai’ , otherwise the celebration would not be proper.
“Therefore, efforts must be put in place to protect and preserve the integrity of Gawai Dayak as the main festival and identity of Dayak community.”
Among those present were Puan Sri Julia Mawan, Sarikei Resident Michael Dawi Alli, Pakan district officer Inting Nyamie, political secretaries to the Chief Minister Paul Igai and Peter Howell, Julau Jasa liaison officer Sylvester Embuas, Temenggong Mambu Ikom and organising chairman Antau Sampao.
* Taken from Borneo Post online : http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/02/steps-to-protect-integrity-of-gawai-on-the-cards-mawan/#ixzz20TtG5UlF
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