BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & GABRIEL LIHAN
KUCHING: The late former Yang Di-pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, was honoured with a 17-gun salute upon the safe arrival of his remains at Kuching International Airport (KIA) on Wednesday (Feb 21) at around 4.30pm.
The 87-year-old’s body was flown to KIA by a Royal Malaysian Air Force Hercules C-130 from an air force base in Subang.
The usually bustling airport runway was quiet and sombre, with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of incense and the faint sound of prayers.
After the aircraft landed, Taib’s remains were transported to the hangar, where he received military honours from personnel of the 11th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment and the police.
The casket, containing Taib’s remains, was accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib.
Present to pay their last respects were Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, his deputies Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Also in attendance were Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, his deputy Datuk Sebastian Ting; Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, Kuching South City Council mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, and other distinguished guests.
Taib’s remains will be transported to his residence in Demak Jaya. A state funeral is scheduled for Thursday (Feb 22) from 8am to 11.30am at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex, where the public can pay their last respects.
The funeral prayer will take place at Masjid Demak at 1.30pm, followed by the burial at the Demak Cemetery after the Zohor prayers.
