KUCHING: Former Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk James Chan paid tribute to the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, praising him as a visionary leader who laid the foundation for Sarawak’s development.
According to Chan, Taib’s leadership provided a solid platform for subsequent leaders to continue building on the progress achieved under his tenure.
He described the late Abdul Taib as a ‘fine leader’ and an ‘anak Sarawak’.
“He did so much to bring Sarawak to a state which enabled succeeding leaders after him to continue developing Sarawak to what it is now today, so stable, prosperous and peaceful.
“And the marks of his developments could be seen all over Sarawak as testimony of his wisdom to bring up the state,” he said.
Chan also highlighted Taib’s commitment to fostering unity and harmony among Sarawak’s diverse ethnic groups.
“His cry of peace and unity among all ethnic groups still stay loud until today. That is why Sarawak is so blessed to have a leader like Tun Pehin Sri.
“He was fair to all races and religions and that is why Sarawak enjoyed the peace and prosperity all these years,” he said.
Reflecting on his own experience as MBKS mayor, he expressed gratitude for Taib’s support, which he credited with benefiting the people of Kuching.
“He was certainly a great statesman of Sarawak and he would be missed greatly,” he added.
