BY Daniel Lim

The ability to celebrate both Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Adau Gayoh is a meaningful affair as it showcases unity among the people in the Sultanate regardless of cultural or religious backgrounds.

This was said by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin during a two-in-one celebration to mark Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Adau Gayoh at Sungai Liang Forest Recreational Park, Belait District on Sunday.

“As we head towards the future, we can be confident that our legacy, identity, origin and history will not be forgotten,” he said, adding that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) sees cultural events as legacies to be preserved and passed down to the next generation.

As part of the ministry’s initiatives to preserve cultural heritage, dialects of the indigenous communities have been published by the Language and LIterature Bureau.

“What is most important is the role of our youth as the inheritors of the nation’s cultures to ensure the survival of the national identity,” the minister said.

The minister expressed optimism after witnessing the effort in keeping the Dusun tradition alive through celebrations such as Adau Gayoh while offering a platform for the society to learn about the indigenous group.

on Sunday’s celebration was organised by Pakatan Sang Jati Dusun (PSJD) Brunei Darussalam and Belait District villagers.

Penghulu of Mukim Bukit Sawat Haji Md Salleh bin Haji Othman said the celebration has been held in Tutong and Brunei-Muara districts annually since the establishment of PSJD in the 1960.

In line with its mission to care for and protect the ethnic identity of the Dusun community, he said the community has been working hard in preserving the traditions through the Adau Gayoh celebration.

Meanwhile, on Sunday’s event featured a Hari Raya song, Dudui Adau Gayoh and Gendang performances.

The minister presented certificates of participation to representatives from each Gendang group before visiting booths showcasing Dusun handicraft and cuisine.

Also in attendance were Permanent Secretary (Administration, Finance and Estate) at the MCYS Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Acting Belait District Officer Mohamad Yassin bin Haji Ahmed and PSJD Chairman Eyad Samhan bin Nyawa.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin