KUCHING – Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg today received a courtesy visit from the organising committee of the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026, led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The meeting, held at the premier’s office on 16 June, was part of preparations for the upcoming Sarawak-level Gawai Dinner 2026.
The dinner is scheduled to take place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on 21 June and will be attended by distinguished guests, including the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar; his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; and Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Gawai dinner is expected to showcase the rich cultural traditions of the Dayak community, with highlights such as the Bebiau Pengabang and Gawai toast ceremonies.
These rituals are deeply symbolic, representing respect for heritage and reinforcing the importance of cultural continuity within Sarawak’s diverse society. The courtesy visit also included several senior state leaders.
Among those present were Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department; Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development; Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development; Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; and Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Bumiputera Law and Customs).
The Premier expressed appreciation for the committee’s efforts in organising the celebration, noting that Gawai Dayak remains a cornerstone of Sarawak’s cultural identity.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the event reflects the unity and diversity of the state, while also providing an opportunity to strengthen ties among communities.
Gawai Dayak, celebrated annually on 1 June, marks the end of the rice harvesting season and is one of Sarawak’s most significant cultural festivals.
The state-level dinner serves as a platform to honour Dayak traditions while fostering inclusivity across Sarawak’s multicultural society.
With the participation of national and state leaders, the 2026 celebration is expected to highlight Sarawak’s role in promoting cultural heritage at both state and national levels.
Organisers have assured that preparations are well underway to ensure the event runs smoothly and provides a memorable experience for all attendees.
