THE Penang Gawai and Kaamatan festival came to an exciting close as many Sabahans and Sarawakians gathered at Fort Cornwallis in Esplanade to celebrate with great joy and a rich display of Borneo cultures.
Those who turned up not only had the chance to sample some of the East Malaysian traditional food but were also captivated by the vibrant dances of the various ethnic groups.
Whether they are Kadazan Dusun, Murut, Bajau, Bidayuh, Iban, Dayak, Kelabit, Melanau or from other ethnicity, the attendees showed a spirit of oneness throughout the night.
The majority of them are working professionals in Penang, such as nurses or in the hospitality sector, factory employees or students.
State executive councillor Chong Eng, who represented Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said Penang has always appreciated the cultures of Sabah and Sarawak which have become very important in the Malaysian culture.
“Our country is unique because of the different cultural beauty. There is harmony among the various races with different religious beliefs,” Chong Eng, who is in charge of Women & Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness & Non-Islamic Religious Affairs in the state, said in her speech on June 29.
“The people here live in a peaceful atmosphere and observe mutual respect. We must protect the muhibah spirit that is with us.
“All the groups’ rights, whether majority or minority, are protected under the Federal constitution.”
Chong Eng, however, stressed that any individual or group playing with racial and religious issues for self interest has no place in this country.
“The people who love Malaysia will reject any move that aims to destroy the unity of the country,” she added.
After her speech, Chong Eng was called upon to strike the gong thrice to mark the end of the celebration. Penang has been celebrating this festival since 2014.
While on stage, she sportingly took part in a bamboo dance and also tried her hand at the blowpipe.
Also present were Pastor Allexsis Ngilah, Pastor Sam Surendran, Pastor Jack Peru Singa, Pastor Loges and committee member A. Arokiadass.
As the night was still young, Joyce and Elvy sang a few songs to entertain the crowd.
The Mr Borneo and Ms Borneo contests were also among the highlights. They captured the crowd’s attention as the contestants, dressed in elaborate traditional costumes, performed a cat walk in the first round and had to answer a question each in the second round.
Verra Preccilla Ining, who just graduated from the Teachers’ Training College in Gelugor, beat 10 other contestants to win the Ms Borneo crown, while Simon Nelso Udau, who is an engineer working in Tanjung Pelepas in Johor, beat three others to become the Mr Borneo.
Both winners pocketed the top prize of RM1,000 each apart from being awarded their respective trophies.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan
