(Bintulu, 15th) Sarawak's Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai, stated that the Harvest Festival Beauty Pageant, as the highlight of the Dayak festival celebration, should be seen as an effort to elevate the status of Dayak women and promote the heritage of Dayak culture.
He pointed out that this competition is not merely about showcasing beauty, but is a cultural stage that demonstrates the historical value, identity, and graceful demeanor of Dayak women through traditional attire. It symbolizes the cultural inheritance and self-identity of various ethnic groups.
"The perception of the Harvest Festival Beauty Pageant as simply a performance needs to be corrected. In fact, it is a tribute to and an appreciation of Dayak cultural heritage and identity," said John Sikie.
He made these remarks during the Dayak Festival Dinner in Daro area in 2025. This dinner was organized by the Daro Area Community Leaders and Chiefs Committee (KMKK) and the Daro Dayak Association, held on Saturday evening at a restaurant in Bintulu.
John Sikie expressed admiration for the participants, who showcased a full display of cultural symbols and values in traditional attire (ngepan) from head to toe. He specifically mentioned participants from different ethnic groups such as the Iban, Bidayuh, and Ulu, who not only wore traditional costumes like "Krilligett attire" but also gained a deeper understanding of the history and symbolism of each accessory.
"This competition provides the younger generation with an opportunity to deeply understand their own culture and enhance their confidence as Dayak descendants. It is an indirect educational method. Young people not only wear traditional clothing but also learn the stories behind each pattern and accessory," he said.
Furthermore, he emphasized that this competition serves as a bridge for various ethnic groups in Sarawak, including Malay and Chinese communities, to participate in the Dayak festival celebrations, providing a platform for unity among different ethnic groups.
"This is the true spirit of the Dayak festival—unity, not division," he added.
He pointed out that this competition is not merely about showcasing beauty, but is a cultural stage that demonstrates the historical value, identity, and graceful demeanor of Dayak women through traditional attire. It symbolizes the cultural inheritance and self-identity of various ethnic groups.
"The perception of the Harvest Festival Beauty Pageant as simply a performance needs to be corrected. In fact, it is a tribute to and an appreciation of Dayak cultural heritage and identity," said John Sikie.
He made these remarks during the Dayak Festival Dinner in Daro area in 2025. This dinner was organized by the Daro Area Community Leaders and Chiefs Committee (KMKK) and the Daro Dayak Association, held on Saturday evening at a restaurant in Bintulu.
John Sikie expressed admiration for the participants, who showcased a full display of cultural symbols and values in traditional attire (ngepan) from head to toe. He specifically mentioned participants from different ethnic groups such as the Iban, Bidayuh, and Ulu, who not only wore traditional costumes like "Krilligett attire" but also gained a deeper understanding of the history and symbolism of each accessory.
"This competition provides the younger generation with an opportunity to deeply understand their own culture and enhance their confidence as Dayak descendants. It is an indirect educational method. Young people not only wear traditional clothing but also learn the stories behind each pattern and accessory," he said.
Furthermore, he emphasized that this competition serves as a bridge for various ethnic groups in Sarawak, including Malay and Chinese communities, to participate in the Dayak festival celebrations, providing a platform for unity among different ethnic groups.
"This is the true spirit of the Dayak festival—unity, not division," he added.