The Gawai Dayak Open House 2004 to be held at Dataran
Perbandaran (City Fan) in Miri, Sarawak, on 12 June at 9am is aIn Malaysia, the state of Sarawak observes its monthlong
annual festival - Gawai Dayak - from 1 to 30 June. This auspicious
event brings together the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and other tribal
groups that form the Dayak race.

The festival marks the end of the rice harvest and is an
extended thanksgiving celebration before the new farming season
begins. For the Dayak community, it is a time to make amends for
past differences and to rekindle old friendships or form new ones. As
Malaysians treasure strong family ties, this festival means family
reunions, paying respect to the elderly and visits to friends and
relatives.

Similar to other major festive celebrations in the country, a
national level "open house" for Gawai Dayak is organised to enable
Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, to join in the merriment.
The "open house" concept promotes racial tolerance, mutual respect
and national unity in this multiracial
country.

The Gawai Dayak Open House 2004 to be held at Dataran
Perbandaran (City Fan) in Miri, Sarawak, on 12 June at 9am is a
wholeday affair. It provides a good opportunity for tourists from
around the world and the public to get a glimpse of the unique culture
and traditions of the Dayak community.

Dignitaries expected to grace the event include His MajestyThe
King, the Yang Dipertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Almarhum
Tuanku Syed Putraa Jamalullail; the Prime Minister, Dato
Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi; the Chief Minister of SarawaK, The Rt.
Hon. Datuk Patinggi Taib Mahmud; and the Hon. Minister of Tourism,
Datuk Dr. Leo Michael Toyad.

The entertainment bill will feature popular artistes such as Erra
Fazira, Vince, Rueben and Rosmah, traditional and modern cultural
performances, a comedy sketch by Senario and a colourful fireworks
display at night.

The Gawai Dayak Open House will end at approximately 12
midnight.

For more information, please visit web site www.tourism.gov.my
or www.sarawaktourism.com

ISSUED BY: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia
DATE: 2 June 2004
For further info, please contact: P.K. Fong at (603)-2693 5188
or email: pkfong@tourism.gov.my