Not being bias/prejudice and looking from an different perspective:
“DAYAK CULTURAL PROTOCOLS & PRACTICES POLICY”
In politics the strongest, influential and smarter will “Win”.
If we were to talk of “political grievances and/or satisfactions” it will never be an ending story; even if the Pro-Opposition became the leading government.
But if we were to look at the positive impact of this “Gawai Celebration” or “Gawai Dayak Fiesta” in a longhouse or wherever, I think it is equally important that the “others” or “outsiders” or “governments” (Federal. State & Local) are now concerned, aware, respect and embrace our Native cultural values and ethics.
For whatever reasons and/or political ideologies or differences we may have, at least the government is walking on a positive direction to ‘breaking down the barriers of difference blindness’ and building a closer ‘values and ethical' relationship between the Native Dayaks and non-Native Dayaks, and other foreign delegates/visitors.
Notes: The term ‘breaking down the barriers of difference blindness’ herein maybe described and recognized some of the effects of internalized racism or the suffering of trauma/depression/suppression at the lack of sensitivity people or organizations can display when conditioned or lacking insight or oversight into the complexities of Native Dayaks’ lives, Adat, values and principles.
To me, such Gawai celebration or festival/ceremony is one significant practice involved in the greater whole of the government’s relationships with the Dayak community.
Whether it is early or a little too late, it is better than nothing or none at all. Not just the politicians may benefit from this occasion but the general Dayaks are also benefiting from it too (directly or indirectly).
I presume; the government intended to build/empower closer rapport (other than ‘political thanks giving’ or appreciating the rakyat supports) and heal the effects of post-colonialism, internalized racism, sidelined, trans-generational, plausible denial of privileges and systemic trauma that Native Dayaks who either reside in urban environments and/or living underserved or underprivileged in the rural areas may often feel due to questioning of their authenticity, stereotyping, racism, discrimination and marginalization. There is no perfect government in the whole world; only in God's Heaven Kingdom.
“DAYAK CULTURAL PROTOCOLS & PRACTICES POLICY”
In politics the strongest, influential and smarter will “Win”.
If we were to talk of “political grievances and/or satisfactions” it will never be an ending story; even if the Pro-Opposition became the leading government.
But if we were to look at the positive impact of this “Gawai Celebration” or “Gawai Dayak Fiesta” in a longhouse or wherever, I think it is equally important that the “others” or “outsiders” or “governments” (Federal. State & Local) are now concerned, aware, respect and embrace our Native cultural values and ethics.
For whatever reasons and/or political ideologies or differences we may have, at least the government is walking on a positive direction to ‘breaking down the barriers of difference blindness’ and building a closer ‘values and ethical' relationship between the Native Dayaks and non-Native Dayaks, and other foreign delegates/visitors.
Notes: The term ‘breaking down the barriers of difference blindness’ herein maybe described and recognized some of the effects of internalized racism or the suffering of trauma/depression/suppression at the lack of sensitivity people or organizations can display when conditioned or lacking insight or oversight into the complexities of Native Dayaks’ lives, Adat, values and principles.
To me, such Gawai celebration or festival/ceremony is one significant practice involved in the greater whole of the government’s relationships with the Dayak community.
Whether it is early or a little too late, it is better than nothing or none at all. Not just the politicians may benefit from this occasion but the general Dayaks are also benefiting from it too (directly or indirectly).
I presume; the government intended to build/empower closer rapport (other than ‘political thanks giving’ or appreciating the rakyat supports) and heal the effects of post-colonialism, internalized racism, sidelined, trans-generational, plausible denial of privileges and systemic trauma that Native Dayaks who either reside in urban environments and/or living underserved or underprivileged in the rural areas may often feel due to questioning of their authenticity, stereotyping, racism, discrimination and marginalization. There is no perfect government in the whole world; only in God's Heaven Kingdom.
- Would Pro-Opposition do just the same if one day they hold on powers?
- If Pro-Opposition became the next government, would they be expecting the ex-Pro Government leaders/supporters backfire them in the same way you criticize them today?
- Would this BN-PR political issue an ever ending story?
- Will “oppositions”, “opportunists”, "nepotism", "cronyism" and "corruption" cease to exist when the PR Government hold onto powers? By then can PR Government guaranteed its "Bersih"?
- Did the Dayak Ibans in Penom benefited from the “National Gawai Open House”? Did other Dayak Ibans, Dayak Bidayuhs and Orang Hulus outside of Penom benefits from this occasion?
I hardly think, Dayak NGOs like SDNU, SADIA, DBNA, OUNA & FORUM could possibly do the same or even better as Dayak NGOs consortium (working together as a big 'TEAM') and/or maintain good rapport and working closely together with the government and/or with private sectors to promote such events in every districts/longhouses/villages in Sarawak or even abroad.
NOW, what are the possible impacts and/or benefits from this “National Gawai Open House” other than “political propaganda’?
1. To acknowledge the Native rights and sovereignty of the Native people of Sarawak, by paying respects to their ancestors and to their leaders of tomorrow.
2. To create an enjoyable atmosphere in which people (Malaysians and non-Malaysians) can experience Native performance, presentations, ideas, musicals, native cuisines, Adat protocols and interactions.
3. Alongside of this experience, the celebration could act as a catalyst to break down the barriers of difference blindness, and to maintain constructive bonds between the Native community, the governments (Federal, State & Local), other Malaysians and foreign tourists and/or non-Malaysian dignitaries/consulates (who are invited to participate the celebration) and/or those foreigners who visit the “Sarawak Rain Forest Musical Festival”.
4. The Government commitment to the process of recognizing the unique position of the Native Dayaks have in the history and culture, and genuine recognition of the truth of Native’s Adat, beliefs, and addressing the disadvantage that the Dayaks continue to face today.
5. Creating awareness for the government, non-Natives and non-Malaysians to acknowledge and recognizes the unique position of the Native people in our culture and history.
6. Promoting the Dayak ethos and “cross culture awareness, adaptation and validation” programs; culture, society, language, etiquette, customs, etc.
7. Since the natives are the original owners of the land of Sarawak and it is important that this “special position” of the Native people is recognized and incorporated into “Dayak Cultural Protocols and Practices Policy” (including our Adat) to enable the wider community to share in Native or Dayak culture and facilitate better relationships between Native people and the general community or society (Malaysians) and others.
8. Official event and/or ceremony like “Gawai Dayak Celebration” or “Gawai Festival” and other Native’s Gawai (Gawai Antu, Gawai Kenyalang, Gawai Umai,Gawai Burong, Gawai Pangkong Tiang, Gawai Tajau & Pengap), Dayak Bidayuh and Orang Ulu Gawai ceremonies, cocks fighting, Silat Kuntau Iban, Native music/songs/poems/dances and other ceremonies engage the attention of participants, observers and the broader community. These events also symbolize the values of our community and the way we envision ourselves.
9. Acknowledging, supporting and respecting our “Gawai Celebration” is also empowering awareness and promoting our “Native Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights' (herein refers to Native Malaysians’ rights to their heritage. Such rights are also known as 'Indigenous Heritage Rights’). Notes: “Gawai Dayak” is our heritage too!
10. Government acknowledgment and observance of Native cultural protocols demonstrates respect and commitment to equal partnerships with the local Dayak community.
*Do you know what 'many benefits' once the government endorse and acknowledge our “Native Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights"? And I really hope PR Government do it if ever they holds onto powers.
NOW, what are the possible impacts and/or benefits from this “National Gawai Open House” other than “political propaganda’?
1. To acknowledge the Native rights and sovereignty of the Native people of Sarawak, by paying respects to their ancestors and to their leaders of tomorrow.
2. To create an enjoyable atmosphere in which people (Malaysians and non-Malaysians) can experience Native performance, presentations, ideas, musicals, native cuisines, Adat protocols and interactions.
3. Alongside of this experience, the celebration could act as a catalyst to break down the barriers of difference blindness, and to maintain constructive bonds between the Native community, the governments (Federal, State & Local), other Malaysians and foreign tourists and/or non-Malaysian dignitaries/consulates (who are invited to participate the celebration) and/or those foreigners who visit the “Sarawak Rain Forest Musical Festival”.
4. The Government commitment to the process of recognizing the unique position of the Native Dayaks have in the history and culture, and genuine recognition of the truth of Native’s Adat, beliefs, and addressing the disadvantage that the Dayaks continue to face today.
5. Creating awareness for the government, non-Natives and non-Malaysians to acknowledge and recognizes the unique position of the Native people in our culture and history.
6. Promoting the Dayak ethos and “cross culture awareness, adaptation and validation” programs; culture, society, language, etiquette, customs, etc.
7. Since the natives are the original owners of the land of Sarawak and it is important that this “special position” of the Native people is recognized and incorporated into “Dayak Cultural Protocols and Practices Policy” (including our Adat) to enable the wider community to share in Native or Dayak culture and facilitate better relationships between Native people and the general community or society (Malaysians) and others.
8. Official event and/or ceremony like “Gawai Dayak Celebration” or “Gawai Festival” and other Native’s Gawai (Gawai Antu, Gawai Kenyalang, Gawai Umai,Gawai Burong, Gawai Pangkong Tiang, Gawai Tajau & Pengap), Dayak Bidayuh and Orang Ulu Gawai ceremonies, cocks fighting, Silat Kuntau Iban, Native music/songs/poems/dances and other ceremonies engage the attention of participants, observers and the broader community. These events also symbolize the values of our community and the way we envision ourselves.
9. Acknowledging, supporting and respecting our “Gawai Celebration” is also empowering awareness and promoting our “Native Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights' (herein refers to Native Malaysians’ rights to their heritage. Such rights are also known as 'Indigenous Heritage Rights’). Notes: “Gawai Dayak” is our heritage too!
10. Government acknowledgment and observance of Native cultural protocols demonstrates respect and commitment to equal partnerships with the local Dayak community.
*Do you know what 'many benefits' once the government endorse and acknowledge our “Native Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights"? And I really hope PR Government do it if ever they holds onto powers.
So what is “Dayak Cultural Protocols and Practices Policy”?
“Dayak Cultural Protocols and Practices Policy” are customs, values, and codes of behavior that are important to Native Dayak particular cultural group (Dayak Iban, Dayak Bidayuh & Orang Ulu). These contribute to the cultural diversity valued by all Malaysians.
Observing our current Dayak cultural practices (including our “Adat Iban”, “Adat Bidayuh”, “Adat Kayan”, etc) demonstrates respect for the cultural traditions, history and diversity of the Native communities and acknowledges that the protocols of the Native communities are as equally valid and worthy of respect as the cultural protocols of other communities. Likewise the Malays’ “Adat Perpatih Melayu”, “Adat Tertib Johor", “Adat Temenggong” and others.
Much of the culture of Native Dayak has unfortunately been lost as a direct result of previous Colonial systems and current government policies. It is therefore important that Native culture is acknowledged at all levels of government (Federal, State & Local). With this implemented, it could promotes respect for Native people and is vital in the building of strong equal partnerships.
Why is “Dayak Cultural Protocols and Practices Policy” important to us?
To me;
1. It promote greater understanding and appreciating intercultural differences ultimately promotes clearer communication, breaks down barriers, builds trust, strengthens relationships, opens horizons and yields tangible results in terms of political and/or business success.
2. Safeguarding Dayak Cultural Heritage and Native Intellectual Property.
3. Creating more jobs and business opportunities, and research & development prospects.
4. Help facilitate ethical conduct and equitable relationships, and foster a commitment to meaningful collaboration and reciprocal responsibility by all parties.
5. Help promote the conservation of native biological, cultural and linguistic diversity.
6. Serves to guide ethnobiologists and other researchers, business leaders, policy makers, governments, nongovernment organizations, academic institutions, funding agencies and others seeking meaningful partnerships with Native Dayaks (including traditional societies and local communities) and thus to avoid the perpetuation of past injustices to the Natives.
7. Help facilitate compliance with the standards set by national and international law and policy and Native customary practice.
8. Help empower and promote our Adat, Native Customary Laws and Native Code of Ethics.
What need to be improved?
The “Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak” (The Council for Customs and Traditions of Sarawak) established in 1974 is like a ‘snail moving department’ and almost ‘invisible’ (my sincere apology) in promoting national values cultural diversity and lack of commitment to work in partnership with Native Dayak communities across Sarawak and Malaysia.
In my opinion; in order to enhance the government relationship with the Natives, it would be more appropriate for the Government (Federal/State/Local) to setup a “Native Affairs Department” (to capitalize on the opportunities presented by a new and reinvigorated mandate, to improve the lives and lifestyles of the Natives) be established directly under the Prime Minister’s Department or Sarawak Chief Minister’s Department’ or extended department of one of the ‘Deputy Chief Minister’s Department’ or ‘Ministry Of Social Development And Urbanisation’ or ‘Ministry of Human Resources’ or ‘Ministry of Rural Development’ or others as relevant or even “The Bureau of Native Affairs” independently.
In addition, the government should setup “Native Coordination Centers” (NCCs) in every districts of Sarawak (urban and regional/remote NCCs or even nationwide). This proposed NCC intended to be a ‘one-stop-service centre’ for coordinating the funding and delivery of Native services, while provide Natives with a single or special entry point to government.
The corollary of a NCC ‘one-stop-service centre’ arrangement is the co-location of staff of the key departments involved in funding and providing services to the Native communities (urban, sub-urban, rural and remote). The physical co-location of agencies ensures ready access to a full range of the Malaysian Government programs and funding.
Conclusion
By incorporating our Dayak cultural practices/ceremonies/policies into official events, Malaysians and foreigners are able to:
“Dayak Cultural Protocols and Practices Policy” are customs, values, and codes of behavior that are important to Native Dayak particular cultural group (Dayak Iban, Dayak Bidayuh & Orang Ulu). These contribute to the cultural diversity valued by all Malaysians.
Observing our current Dayak cultural practices (including our “Adat Iban”, “Adat Bidayuh”, “Adat Kayan”, etc) demonstrates respect for the cultural traditions, history and diversity of the Native communities and acknowledges that the protocols of the Native communities are as equally valid and worthy of respect as the cultural protocols of other communities. Likewise the Malays’ “Adat Perpatih Melayu”, “Adat Tertib Johor", “Adat Temenggong” and others.
Much of the culture of Native Dayak has unfortunately been lost as a direct result of previous Colonial systems and current government policies. It is therefore important that Native culture is acknowledged at all levels of government (Federal, State & Local). With this implemented, it could promotes respect for Native people and is vital in the building of strong equal partnerships.
Why is “Dayak Cultural Protocols and Practices Policy” important to us?
To me;
1. It promote greater understanding and appreciating intercultural differences ultimately promotes clearer communication, breaks down barriers, builds trust, strengthens relationships, opens horizons and yields tangible results in terms of political and/or business success.
2. Safeguarding Dayak Cultural Heritage and Native Intellectual Property.
3. Creating more jobs and business opportunities, and research & development prospects.
4. Help facilitate ethical conduct and equitable relationships, and foster a commitment to meaningful collaboration and reciprocal responsibility by all parties.
5. Help promote the conservation of native biological, cultural and linguistic diversity.
6. Serves to guide ethnobiologists and other researchers, business leaders, policy makers, governments, nongovernment organizations, academic institutions, funding agencies and others seeking meaningful partnerships with Native Dayaks (including traditional societies and local communities) and thus to avoid the perpetuation of past injustices to the Natives.
7. Help facilitate compliance with the standards set by national and international law and policy and Native customary practice.
8. Help empower and promote our Adat, Native Customary Laws and Native Code of Ethics.
What need to be improved?
The “Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak” (The Council for Customs and Traditions of Sarawak) established in 1974 is like a ‘snail moving department’ and almost ‘invisible’ (my sincere apology) in promoting national values cultural diversity and lack of commitment to work in partnership with Native Dayak communities across Sarawak and Malaysia.
In my opinion; in order to enhance the government relationship with the Natives, it would be more appropriate for the Government (Federal/State/Local) to setup a “Native Affairs Department” (to capitalize on the opportunities presented by a new and reinvigorated mandate, to improve the lives and lifestyles of the Natives) be established directly under the Prime Minister’s Department or Sarawak Chief Minister’s Department’ or extended department of one of the ‘Deputy Chief Minister’s Department’ or ‘Ministry Of Social Development And Urbanisation’ or ‘Ministry of Human Resources’ or ‘Ministry of Rural Development’ or others as relevant or even “The Bureau of Native Affairs” independently.
In addition, the government should setup “Native Coordination Centers” (NCCs) in every districts of Sarawak (urban and regional/remote NCCs or even nationwide). This proposed NCC intended to be a ‘one-stop-service centre’ for coordinating the funding and delivery of Native services, while provide Natives with a single or special entry point to government.
The corollary of a NCC ‘one-stop-service centre’ arrangement is the co-location of staff of the key departments involved in funding and providing services to the Native communities (urban, sub-urban, rural and remote). The physical co-location of agencies ensures ready access to a full range of the Malaysian Government programs and funding.
Conclusion
By incorporating our Dayak cultural practices/ceremonies/policies into official events, Malaysians and foreigners are able to:
- Recognize and pay respect to the Native peoples, cultures and heritage (including ‘Gawai Dayak Heritage’).
- Communicate Native cultural practices to the broader community to promote respect and understanding.
- Demonstrate that Native cultures are living through maintenance and practice of ceremonies and protocols.
- Demonstrate recognition of the Native people unique position which can assist in building relationships and partnerships.
Thank you.
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