By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Sept 23: Late Governor Tun Pehin Sir Abdul Taib Mahmud’s second son, Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib, has filed an application to intervene in the ongoing estate dispute case brought about by his stepmother Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib against his older brother Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib and Kuching District Officer.
His application, which aims to seek recognition of his interest in the estate, was granted by the Kuching High Court today. The application, which was filed on Aug 20, was approved on a no-opposition basis.
Following today’s ruling, Sulaiman has been formally added as an intervener in the case.
Taib’s widow, Raghad, has initiated legal action against her stepson, Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib, for being the sole administrator of Taib’s estate and the Kuching District Officer in the latter’s capacity as the probate officer for the estate.
When contacted, counsel for Raghad commented that the estate dispute has drawn significant attention.
“The matter hinges on legal questions related to the administration and distribution of the assets, specifically the order of entitlement to apply for letters of administration under Section 8 of the Administration of Estate Ordinance.
“This Sarawak-specific law gives priority to male heirs and the widower of the deceased over the widow and female relatives,” said Lai.
Raghad is represented by counsel Sylvester Lai, Abu Bekir by Wilian Yeo, while Sulaiman is represented by Alvin Chong and Jonathan Tay.
Further developments in this high-profile case are expected as it continues to unfold.
This case is related to the high-profile suit where Sulaman and Abu Bekir filed a case against Raghad and RHB Investment Bank Berhad (RHB) to pave the way for an injunction to be placed over the disposal of Cahya Mata Sarawak shares under Raghad.
The case has gone through several court mentions due to the submissions of new affidavits, including the application to enjoin the late Taib as one of the defendants, which was later dismissed due to his passing on Feb 21, 2024.
There is also the issue of whether the case is a civil or shariah one, considering it involves Muslim property, as Raghad is a Muslimah.
The latest notable twist regarding the case was during the May 8, 2024 hearing, when plaintiff counsel Chong submitted Letters of Administration pertaining to the late Taib’s and Laila’s estates.
Both cases are still ongoing. — DayakDaily
