KUCHING: The late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is rightly regarded as the father of modern Sarawak, a mainstay of the state’s leadership for many decades.
Tourism, Arts, and Culture minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the former Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak and chief minister continued to offer his guidance and wisdom in the stewardship of the state until his passing.
“I am fortunate to be able to count on him (Taib) in my long career for his astute and ageless advice. We are all indebted to his uniting leadership,” he said in a statement today.
Tiong, who is also the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president, said his party as well as all Sarawakians were saddened by the loss of a visionary leader who brought much development and growth to Sarawak.
“His contributions to the development of Sarawak are what put our state on the map.
“We have long valued his guiding hand in ensuring equitable sharing among all the different ethnic groups that call Sarawak their home and motherland, and as a result, we enjoy a world renowned unity and common sense of purpose among
Sarawakians,” he said.
To many, Taib, who came from humble beginnings and reached the pinnacle of leadership, had not lost sight of the need to help and bring up the poorest and least fortunate of Sarawak in all its most remote corners, no matter anyone’s background.
For this, Tiong said, Sarawak has been truly recognised for her moderateness, harmony, and unity in our diverse cultures and abundant resources.
“May Allah keep him and bring him into His embrace in peace,” he said.
He also offered his deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Taib, who passed away at the age of 87, on Wednesday.
