KUCHING, Feb 21: As news of the passing of Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud reverberates across the nation, tributes continue to pour in for the distinguished leader who has left an indelible mark on Sarawak’s history and development.
Taib, known as the ‘father of modern Sarawak’, was Sarawak’s longest-serving chief minister from 1981 to 2014. Following his tenure, he was appointed as Sarawak Governor, a position he held until late last month.
Taib passed away at age 87 at the Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur Hospital (CVSKL) today.
The Sarawak government has declared two days of mourning on Feb 21 and 22, with official functions postponed and flags flown at half-mast in his honour.
Taib will be accorded a full State funeral, with his body lying in state at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex tomorrow (Feb 22) before his final resting place at the Demak Cemetery following the Zohor prayer. — DayakDaily
Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof
“The passing of Tun Taib represents an immense loss, not just for Sarawak, but for the nation as a whole. He had also served as a minister at the Federal level before returning to Sarawak.”
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah
“With the departure of Tun Taib, we bid farewell to a statesman and a transformative leader of our nation. His legacy encompasses the fostering of unity amidst diversity in Sarawak, as well as advancements in both physical and spiritual development, including notable strides in empowering women.”
Deputy Speaker Datuk Idris Buang
“My deepest condolences to the family of Tun Taib. It is a sad day for Sarawak and Malaysia. The late Tun Taib was a leader of exceptional stature whose contributions propelled Sarawak’s progress and enhanced the lives of its people. It is a feat that has to be continued by all leaders of Sarawak after him. May Allah shower His Blessings upon this great leader and grant him a place among the righteous in paradise.”
Deputy Minister of Transport (Marine and Riverine) Dato Henry Harry Jinep
“We have lost a great visionary leader. He left us a legacy which we will continue to cherish and remember.”
Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie
“The late Tun Taib had served Sarawak for a considerably long time of over 50 years. Having served such lengthy period of time and in different capacities, he had surely left a significant mark to Sarawak’s history and development. Sarawak’s transformation during his reign as chief minister was notably visible. The memory of his lifetime as a statesman and as the Sarawak Governor as his last deed in the service is of the highest ideals for Sarawak which will be forever remembered.”
Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sindang Buda
“Tun Taib is great statesman. His passing is a big loss to Sarawak. He has done so much for Sarawak.”
Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman
“The passing of Tun Taib is a great loss for the country and Sarawak in particular. His legacy of prioritising development, modernisation, and stability has laid a crucial foundation for Sarawak’s transformation in today’s new economic landscape. Tun’s exemplary dedication to serving the state, country, and community as a statesman serves as a timeless example for the people of Sarawak. He will be deeply missed.”
Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen
“My deepest condolences to the family of the late Tun Taib on his passing. I would like to express my gratitude to his contribution to the development of the State. Though we may disagree on certain policies during his tenure as the Chief Minister, but overall, he has contributed tremendously to the development of Sarawak, laying a strong foundation for the present government to take the State to another level.”
Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng
“Today is indeed a sad day for Sarawakians. Tun Taib dedicated his whole life to public service and has brought much development to Sarawak. May he rest in peace.”
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak deputy chairman Senator Abun Sui Anyit
“Keadilan Sarawak along with the people of Sarawak are deeply saddened by the passing of Tun Taib. We acknowledge and honour his dedicated service and significant contributions to Sarawak. May his enduring legacy serve as a guiding light, propelling Sarawak towards a future of shared prosperity, uniting people of diverse races, religions, languages, and cultures.”
