KUCHING, Feb 21: Former Head of State, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, was truly a great master planner and architect of a modern, united and progressive Sarawak, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah underscored Taib’s pivotal role as Sarawak’s longest-serving chief minister from 1981 to 2014, attributing him with significant contributions to the State’s governance and success.
“The passing of former Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is a great loss to Sarawak and the country.
“In politics, Tun Pehin Sri commendably succeed in leading Sarawak through politics of mutual respect, collaboration and co-operation amongst the multi-racial and multi-religious people of Sarawak, thereby securing the harmony and unity we enjoy here today,” he said in a statement today.
Uggah emphasised that Taib’s vision, willpower and commitment to modernise and develop Sarawak into what it is today will not be forgotten.
“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Tun Taib,” he added.
Taib passed away at age 87 at the Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur Hospital (CVSKL) today, having served as Sarawak Governor from 2014 until late last month.
The Sarawak government has declared two days of mourning (Feb 21 and 22) to pay tribute to the late Taib, with all official functions involving entertainment events postponed, and Sarawak flags to be flown at half-mast.
Taib will receive a full State funeral, with his body lying in state at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex tomorrow (Feb 22) before he is laid to rest at the Demak Cemetery following the Zohor prayers.
A ceremony for the public to pay their last respects will be held at the DUN Complex tomorrow from 8am to 11.30am. — DayakDaily
