KUCHING – The Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, received a courtesy visit from the organising committee of the 2026 Gawai Dayak Dinner at the Sarawak State Astana on Monday.
The delegation was led by the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, YB Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who also serves as Chairman of the Reception Committee.
During the visit, he formally presented the invitation letter to the governor and his wife for the upcoming Gawai Dayak Dinner, scheduled to take place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on 21 June.
Several senior state leaders accompanied the delegation, including YB Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development; YB Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department; YB Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; YB Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Native Law and Customs); and YB Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development. Also present was Puan Josenthiana anak Manggie, Deputy Director of the Sarawak Public Works Department.
The committee briefed the governor and his wife on the programme’s arrangements, outlining the highlights of this year’s Gawai Dayak celebration.
The governor emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting Sarawak’s diverse cultural heritage, noting that the state is home to more than 30 ethnic groups, each with its own traditions, languages and customs. He stressed that these cultural treasures must be safeguarded and passed down to future generations.
Tun Pehin Sri highlighted that Sarawak’s rich diversity is a defining feature of its identity, and efforts to showcase this uniqueness should be continuously strengthened.
He also expressed appreciation to the organising committee for their dedication in ensuring that the Gawai Dayak Dinner remains a meaningful platform to foster unity and harmony among the people of Sarawak.
Both the governor and Toh Puan acknowledged the committee’s commitment and hard work, recognising the event as an opportunity to reinforce the spirit of togetherness across communities.
The Gawai Dayak Dinner has long been regarded as a significant occasion that not only celebrates cultural traditions but also strengthens social bonds among Sarawakians.
The upcoming dinner at BCCK is expected to draw wide participation, serving as a reminder of the state’s collective effort to preserve its cultural heritage while promoting inclusivity and mutual respect among its diverse population.
