SIBU: The late former Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud stressed the need for leaders to should serve all communities, not just their own – a sentiment deeply resonating with Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee.
The Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development recounted Taib imparting this advice during a car ride to Sekuau.
“I vividly recall him stressing the importance of unity among all Sarawakians – be it Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu, or more. There’s no alternative for us in Sarawak.
“He insisted that a leader in Sarawak is meant for everyone, not just their own community. I hold that advice dear,” he said when met by reporters at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here today.
The Nangka assemblyman said he is among the lucky leaders who served under Taib’s chief ministership when the former was given the mandate back in 2011.
“I still remember what he told me once after a year I became the people’s representative, he said ‘Annuar, I have been watching you for the last 7 years. Initially, I am not that keen for you to be in politics because not many (doctors specialise) in your field (in Sarawak), which is cardiology. But finally, Tun said he has to agree under certain circumstances that he has to bring me into politics,” he said.
As the University of Technology Sarawak board of directors chairman, Dr. Annuar expressed his deep condolences to the family and deemed the passing of Taib as a great loss to Sarawak.
“Tun was the first chancellor of UTS, and on behalf of UTS, we are deeply saddened by Tun’s passing, especially considering his significant contributions to Sarawak.
“For UTS, he spearheaded its establishment 10 years ago, hence our new hall being named after him, the Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor Hall. Tun’s passing is a great loss not only for Sarawak but for the entire country,” he added.
