RM30 Gawai Dayak cash vouchers gesture of goodwill, says Yap
Yap said the cash vouchers were meant to be a gesture of goodwill.
KUCHING (May 14): The distribution of RM30 Gawai cash vouchers was meant to be a gesture of goodwill, not a substitute for the broader development needs of the Dayak community, said Wilfred Yap.
The Kota Sentosa assemblyman said the gesture was never intended to diminish the profound cultural significance of celebration.
He was responding to former Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) president Bobby William's statement that the quantum was an 'insult to the pride and dignity of the Dayak community'.
Yap said he deeply respected Gawai Dayak as a celebration of heritage, unity, and identity.
The specifically for Dayak villages in his constituency, sought to provide modest assistance during the festive season, he said.
He agreed with Bobby that the Dayak community deserve more than symbolic assistance and sustainable progress in education, infrastructure, healthcare, as well as economic opportunities.
He pointed out that he had allocated significant amounts under his Rural Transformation Project and Minor Rural Project allocations to the six Dayak villages in his constituency.
Yap added he remains committed to advocating long-term improvements in Kota Sentosa and welcomes constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure that future initiatives align with the community's dignity and aspirations.
Bobby had labelled the RM30 cash vouchers 'a glaring symbol of disrespect, insensitivity, and political patronage that undermines the cultural significance and dignity of the Dayak people'. Bobby William Gawai Dayak vouchers lead Wilfred Yap
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