KUCHING, Feb 21: The remains of the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, former Governor of Sarawak, has arrived at Kuching International Airport (KIA) at 4.25pm.
According to a news report by TVS, the body was transported using a Charlie 130 Hercules military aircraft of the Royal Malaysia Air Force (TUDM). The flight departed from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah International Airport in Subang at 2pm today.
A solemn and mournful atmosphere marked the arrival of the late former Chief Minister of Sarawak.
Taib’s wife, Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi, accompanied his body, which was received by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, along with several other members of the Sarawak Cabinet.
A procession of nine pallbearers and 106 members of the Main Guard of Honour escorted the body.
Seventeen cannon shots were fired as a tribute to the esteemed figure of Sarawak and the nation.
Following the arrival, Tun Taib’s body will be brought to his residence in Demak Jaya, Jalan Bako.
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 prayer at Masjid Demak.
A ceremony for the public to pay their last respects will be held at the DUN Complex tomorrow from 8am to 11.30am.
Taib passed away at 4.28am at the Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur Hospital (CVSKL) today. He was 87. — DayakDaily
