Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib takes over as CMS group managing director

A file photo showing the CMS headquarters located at Wisma Mahmud in Kuching.

KUCHING, July 8: Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMS) today announced the appointment of Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib as the new managing director of the group, and the redesignation of group managing director Datuk Isaac Lugun as non-independent, non-executive director effective July 8.

CMS group chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Manaf in a press statement said: “We are pleased to welcome Dato Sri Sulaiman Taib to lead the group.

“Sulaiman’s familiarity with Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad and his wide-ranging experience in businesses will be invaluable to Group as we consolidate, streamline, and move the Group toward a new growth path, post pandemic.”

Abdul Rashid disclosed the transition of leadership is due to Isaac’s early retirement. The latter will remain with the group as a non-independent, non-executive director.

Meanwhile, CMS said Sulaiman brings with him a wealth of experience in banking, finance, and insurance, having been the executive chairman of RHB Capital Berhad and its group of companies.

While there, Sulaiman chaired several of the boards and committees including Rashid Hussain Berhad, RHB Insurance Berhad, RHB Asset Management Berhad and RHB Research Institute, apart from being a board member of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, RHB Sakura Bankers Berhad, and RHB Bank Berhad.

During that period, Sulaiman was also appointed by the government to the board of Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).

He has experience in manufacturing, property development, stock broking, and is familiar with CMS, having served in various capacities of the group from 1995 to 2008.

During his 13-year tenure, he assumed various positions including that of group chairman, and group executive director.

In the CMS group previously, Sulaiman was chairman of CMS Property Development Sdn Bhd, and CMS Works International Ltd.

He was also a board member of Utama Banking Group Berhad, K&N Kenanga Holdings Berhad, Bank Utama (Malaysia) Berhad, and Utama Merchant Bank Berhad.

Sulaiman then went on to become a Member of the Parliament after being successfully elected in Kota Samarahan constituency in 2008.

He served with the federal government as a Deputy Minister of Tourism.

After fulfilling his political term, Sulaiman ventured abroad to oversee various private investments over the last few years.

Sulaiman is the third son of Sarawak Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. — DayakDaily