KUCHING, Feb 21: Federal Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi recalls former Sarawak Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s leadership, as well as that of other prominent Sarawakian figures, including his late grandfather, Tun Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Temenggong Jugah Barieng, in steering Sarawak and the nation following Malaysia’s formation in 1963.
Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, said that Taib is known to all Malaysians, particularly Sarawakians, as one of the leaders and Chief Ministers of Sarawak who have made significant contributions to the country and the Land of the Hornbills in particular.
“For me personally, Tun Pehin Sri is one of the people who have contributed a lot and given me guidance in pursuing and shaping my political career,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Nanta recalled Taib’s close relationship with his father, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Jugah, as well as his late father-in-law, Tan Sri Celestine Ujang Jilan, who is also a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) comrade.
“The opportunity to serve as Political Secretary to Tun Pehin Sri for eight years, from December 1992 to December 2000, before focusing solely on my role as a Member of Parliament for Kapit, has provided me with numerous opportunities to learn the ins and outs of politics.”
The said he learned a lot from Taib, and that everything he learned is still etched in his memory, serving as a guide in carrying out his responsibilities to the public.
“There is no best and most powerful recipe that can guarantee the success of a politician like me. However, one piece of advice that Tun Pehin often gave me is still held intact to this day.
“Alex, the opportunity to be a representative of the people, use it to the best of your ability to help the people, the State, and the country,” Nanta remarked, quoting the late former TYT.
“I feel the loss of Tun Pehin Sri very deeply. No words can describe the feeling at this moment.
“But surely, the sadness felt by Tun Pehin Sri’s family members is heavier, and from the bottom of my heart, my condolences go out to all members of Tun Pehin Seri’s family.
“Thank you, Sir, for the lessons you taught me, for the trust and confidence you had for me. You will always be in my prayers and thoughts.” — DayakDaily
