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MIRI – Dayak NGOs have chastised organisers of a Gawai Dayak merrymaking event in Sibu for allegedly using ladies dancing suggestively on stage.
According to the Dayak National Congress (DNC) and Dayak Think Tank Association of Sarawak (DTTAS), the event held recently had “desecrated” the image of Gawai Dayak.
In a statement today, DNC president Paul Raja said getting scantily clad women to perform erotic dances is inappropriate for the image of the community.
“We demand an apology from the organisers for using a Gawai Dayak gathering to entertain guests using sexually explicit performances.
“It desecrated Gawai Dayak, which is meant as a thanksgiving celebration for a good harvest.
“Our demands come following a video clip being circulated around showcasing that event,” he said.
When contacted by The Vibes, Raja said his organisation is offended by the sexually provocative performances.
“Like I said, we are not against people holding Gawai Dayak events. However, there must be a limit to what they can perform,” he said.
DTTAS adviser Willie Henry Majang said his group were in one mind that Gawai Dayak celebrations must be staged respectfully and appropriately.
When asked on the identity of the organiser, Majang said the Sibu event was apparently organised by individuals with links to a political party.
However, he stopped short of identifying said party as he was unable to confirm the veracity of the information received.
To a question, he said he heard the Sibu event was organised by those linked to a certain “party”.
“What we know so far is that it was a party event,” he said.
Gawai Dayak started on June 1, with celebrations expected to last up to a month. – The Vibes, June 16, 2022