When the music and the dances Synchronised

It is axiomatic that music and dance ought to be synchronised otherwise it would be just foul sound and meaningless movements devoid of any aesthetic value. The harmony between the music and the dances exhibited by the Indonesian performers on the night of 4th December at the Majlis Makan Malam Dayak Borneo or Dayak Borneo Dinner had mesmerised the hall-packed audience. The synchronisation of the above mentioned performance is very symbolic and has special significance in the Dayak unity. And indeed in the speech of His Excellency, Bapak Augustin Teras Narang, the core message that he wanted to drive home was none other than the unity of the Dayak people both in Malaysia and Indonesia.

The dinner, which was jointly organised by Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) and Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA), was not only memorable but also a historic event. For the first time the Dayak in Indonesia and Malaysia were able to congregate to share common sentiments and values. Leaders of SDNU in particular, and SADIA, DBNA and OUNA deserved to be congratulated for bringing people from two difference countries but sharing common ancestors and cultural heritage.

The symbolic message behind the synchronisation of music and dance is one of unity. If the Dayak masses want change especially a quantum leap it is inevitable that Dayak must synchronise their political language with their actions. Time has come. Moment has arrived. And opportunity has knocked at the doorstep of every Dayak heart. The Dayak are now at the cross-road. But unless the music is synchronised with the dance, all those coffee-shop talks are mere mirage.