Sabahans join Pekan Gawai in Pontianak, West Kalimantan

BORNEO Harvest Fiesta... The week-long Pekan Gawai in Pontianak, West Kalimantan being held for the 26th time from May 16 to 24, was joined by a group of 36 Dayaks from East Malaysia for a third year.

A delegation of five Borneo natives from Sabah was led by the Founder Chairman of newly-formed London-based NGO Borneo Rights International (BRI), Kanul Gindol. A representative from Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF), Peter Marajin, was also in the delegation. While in Pontianak, the delegation held various discussions with their counterparts in Kalimantan.

According to Kanul, their participation is meant to encourage a pan-Borneo exchange of cultural discussions and in tandem with the private initiative for Bornenisation. "We were impressed with the extravaganza of cultural shows by our Dayaks brothers here. The hosts hospitality and reception were also fantastic while we were there. We hope to go to Central Kalimantan and East Kalimantan next year which are closer to Sabah," he said in a statement mailed to the press.

Kanul in a traditional Dusun headgear which he
wore throughout the Kalimantan Gawai launching.

Kanul (right) with Ali Biju, the newly-elected assemblyman
of PKR for Krian who was also in the entourage.

Seated from right Marajin, Gindol and Biju with Dayak
elders at Hotel Mercure where they stayed for
the Gawai celebration.

Kanul with an Iban elder from Sarawak
among those in the crowd.

Kanul with a Bidayuh man from Sarawak, Alim Mideh (centre)
and a local Dusun from Central Kalimantan, Ferry, who
was also at the Pontianak Gawai as a photographer.