SARAWAK’S ability to maintain economic momentum and social harmony amid an increasingly uncertain global environment is rooted in the strength of its political stability, strategic leadership and the unity of its people, Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said in his Hari Gawai message.
Against a backdrop of global economic headwinds, geopolitical tensions and persistent supply chain challenges, Fadillah said Sarawak has continued to advance in key sectors including energy development, the green economy and public wellbeing through a collective commitment to cooperation and inclusivity.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who also serves as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said the state’s progress has been achieved through the contributions of communities from diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds working together towards common goals.
“The spirit of Segulai Sejalai, of mutual respect and cooperation, is what has enabled Sarawak to continue progressing and to be recognised as one of the best examples of stability, togetherness and unity among the people in this country,” he said in a message posted on Facebook in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebrations.
His remarks come as policymakers increasingly emphasise social cohesion and long-term planning as essential foundations for economic resilience in an era marked by heightened global uncertainty.
Fadillah described Hari Gawai as more than a traditional harvest festival, saying it remains an important expression of cultural heritage and identity for the Dayak community while continuing to strengthen family bonds and community values across generations.
Observed annually on June 1 and 2, the celebration marks thanksgiving for a successful harvest and serves as one of Sarawak’s most significant cultural occasions.
He said the festival also reflects the broader spirit of multicultural coexistence that has long defined Sarawak, where people of different races and faiths have lived together in relative harmony for decades.
According to Fadillah, this diversity remains one of the state's greatest strengths and serves as a living example of how cultural differences can reinforce, rather than weaken, national unity.
He noted that Sarawak's experience demonstrates the value of mutual understanding and respect in building a stable and prosperous society, particularly at a time when many countries are grappling with social divisions and economic pressures.
“May this year’s Gawai celebration continue to unite our hearts in the spirit of Segulai Sejalai, for a future that is more progressive, prosperous, sustainable and harmonious for generations to come.
“Happy Gawai Dayak. Gayu Guru, Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Nguan Menua,” he said.
As Sarawak accelerates its ambitions in renewable energy, hydrogen development and green industrialisation, Fadillah’s message underscored the view that the state’s greatest asset remains not its natural resources alone, but the enduring unity and cooperation of its people.
The Gawai celebration, he suggested, serves as a timely reminder that social cohesion, cultural respect and collective purpose remain central to Sarawak’s success story and its aspirations for the future. - June 1, 2026
