Chukpai (second right) and other guests arriving at Uma Bawang in Sungai Asap. — Ukas photo BELAGA (May 29): Cultural celebrations such as the ‘Lamei Do Ledoh’ actually empower the Kayan community, says Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon. “The Kayan tribe, as part of the Orang Ulu ethnic group, is a minority whose number is very small compared to other races in Sarawak, and Malaysia in general,” he said in his speech for the ‘Lamei Do Ledoh’ for Sungai Asap sub-district level in Uma Bawang, Sungai Asap here recently.
“Thus, it is important for us (the community) to be united, in one heart and in one accord, so that our voices, demands and goals can be heard by the higher authorities,” he said in a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas). Chukpai said through unity, all Orang Ulu communities could achieve great potential in various fields. “Traditional arts and culture reflect our identity and uniqueness, and through the hosting of this festival, we hope that this cultural heritage could be preserved for the future generations,” he said.
Visitors to the ‘Lamei Do Ledoh’ were treated to the traditional dance performances, folks’ games, a spread of authentic food, and a handicrafts exhibition, leading to the event’s highlights: the ethnic beauty pageants, ‘Keligit’ (women) and ‘Belawan’ (men). Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Sarawak Datuk Liwan Lagang, who performed the event’s closing ceremony, highligh.
