Event in Sarawak
This annual event is the showcase of boat race with participation
from various government agencies, private sectors and also participants
from overseas such as Indonesia and Brunei. Other activities include
displays of crafts and exhibitions by local entrepreneurs.
The day programme include “Brooke Swim”, kayaking and duck catching. Racing
boats from the various villages around Sarawak will make it a grand
affair and also a great occasion for families from outside Kuching to
visit the city.
Sarawak Regatta has been a premier event with a distinct historical
and cultural significant. It was held as early as before 1872 and was
organized as an annual event taking place during the New Year. Sarawak
Gazette had recorded in 1872, that the annual Regatta that year was
held, on 29th February 1872 at the Sarawak River infront of the Astana.
The European community in Sarawak and in the neighboring countries were
invited to the Astana - for breakfast - before the race. Keen
competition were also recorded for the Rajah Cup. The boat 'Sri Matu'
built and manned by the Melanaus, was reported as the winning boat.
The Gazette records provided the indication that Regatta had been an
important social event organized annually for social integration and
goodwill for the people of Sarawak. Prominent political figure, the late
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Ong Kee Hui, recorded that Rajah Charles Brooke used
to send his yacht Maimunah1 to outstation to bring in the various Tuan
Residents to join in the social event.
The tradition of holding the annual Regatta in the Sarawak River
continued through the Colonial period and into the post-Malaysia period.
During these periods the Regatta was organized by Resident and District
Office with funds from the Government while the rest of the fund was
raised through public donations.
No comments:
Post a Comment