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KUCHING, Aug 7: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud was featured in an Instagram story posted by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, the first such sighting since reports of him recovering from an illness first surfaced.
Raghad’s video, which she posted to her Instagram story yesterday, appears to have been shot at a seaside cafe.
In the video, there is a voice off camera that is believed to be Raghad speaking.
“Happy Sunday to everyone. Hello Tun. Hello husband. I love you. We all love you. Long life, InsyaAllah (God willing),” the voice said.
Prior to this, there had been several rumours circulating about Taib’s health.
On Aug 3, the Astana Negeri Sarawak issued a statement dismissing rumours and reassuring Sarawakians about Taib’s improving health.
The current whereabouts of the Sarawak Governor have not been disclosed, but according to State officials, he will return as soon as doctors allow him to do so.
“God-willing, with his doctor’s advice, he will come home very soon. We hope the people will be patient and not be easily hoodwinked by unverified news and speculations on Tun’s current health,” said Junih Salleh Ahmad, private secretary to the Governor of Sarawak, in the statement.
Meanwhile, on Aug 3, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that Taib has recovered from his illness and will return to Sarawak after some rest.
Abang Johari explained that the Head of State had fallen ill during his overseas travels.
“However, he has recovered, although he is still in the process of recuperation (abroad). With the final (medical) report from the hospital, he will come back,” he told reporters in response to questions about a monochromatic graphic with the inscription ‘Al-Fatihah’ related to Taib which had been circulating on various social media platforms.
Furthermore, on Aug 3, Raghad also expressed her disappointment over the actions of irresponsible parties who circulated a black and white graphic containing the fake message that Taib had passed away.
In a post shared on her Instagram account, Raghad conveyed her view that the creation and dissemination of the fabricated graphic was not only inhumane, but also tantamount to cursing Taib, who she said had devoted his entire life to serving the people and Sarawak. — DayakDaily
