The 2010 Gawai Dayak has an added meaning to the longhouse people along the Simunjan Road because they are able to have contacts with the outside world after the installation of an ICT tower in the Kpg. Ruan area, all because of the efforts of YB Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Culture.
Many overseas workers who were unable to return for the Gawai Dayak were able to contact their parents and relatives. For instance, my son, Rudy Tawie, who is studying for his PhD (civil engineering) in South Korea, was able to contact our Kpg. Sungai Semabang, Simunjan to convey his Gawai greetings to us.
It was indeed a very happy moment and a very special meaning to us to be able to speak to my son and his family. We would like to express our sincere thanks to YB Datuk Salang.
We were also able to use our internet connections through Celcom broadband and followed what was happening around the country especially on the minor cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Najib.
However, the services need to be upgraded as the lines sometimes “putus”.
While I conveyed our Gawai Dayak greetings to YB Datuk Salang, I also informed him of our problems. He promised to speak to the local authorities to improve the ICT services in the Simunjan area.
Meanwhile, Gawai Dayak was celebrated modestly by the people of our village. It was an occasion to meet our relatives and friends.
The Gawai began with the drinking of “ai Pengayu” (long life water) at the stroke of midnight on 31 May. This was followed by various cultural events till the early morning of the 1 June.
At 10.00 am, all the people of Sungai Semabang gathered at the ruai of Tuai Rumah Sipi Anak Narang where the festival continued with cultural performances, drinking and eating.
Later in the afternoon, all they came to our humble house where delicious foods such as pansoh manok, panggang manok, pansoh jani, and so on were served to the pengabang (visitors).
Source: http://www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com/
Many overseas workers who were unable to return for the Gawai Dayak were able to contact their parents and relatives. For instance, my son, Rudy Tawie, who is studying for his PhD (civil engineering) in South Korea, was able to contact our Kpg. Sungai Semabang, Simunjan to convey his Gawai greetings to us.
It was indeed a very happy moment and a very special meaning to us to be able to speak to my son and his family. We would like to express our sincere thanks to YB Datuk Salang.
We were also able to use our internet connections through Celcom broadband and followed what was happening around the country especially on the minor cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Najib.
However, the services need to be upgraded as the lines sometimes “putus”.
While I conveyed our Gawai Dayak greetings to YB Datuk Salang, I also informed him of our problems. He promised to speak to the local authorities to improve the ICT services in the Simunjan area.
Meanwhile, Gawai Dayak was celebrated modestly by the people of our village. It was an occasion to meet our relatives and friends.
The Gawai began with the drinking of “ai Pengayu” (long life water) at the stroke of midnight on 31 May. This was followed by various cultural events till the early morning of the 1 June.
At 10.00 am, all the people of Sungai Semabang gathered at the ruai of Tuai Rumah Sipi Anak Narang where the festival continued with cultural performances, drinking and eating.
Later in the afternoon, all they came to our humble house where delicious foods such as pansoh manok, panggang manok, pansoh jani, and so on were served to the pengabang (visitors).
Source: http://www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com/
Jetty's family members after the drinking of "ai Pengayu". They have to open their shirts in order to get rid of 'bad luck' and welcome the new Gawai spirit.
Mr. Juah performing the "ngajat"
