KUCHING: Former Head of State, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud was described as an outstanding and exemplary leader said State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Deputy Speaker Datuk Idris Buang.
Idris said Taib was instrumental in developing Sarawak and the improved the wellbeing of its people.
“He was an outstanding leader of exemplary greatness, a feat that has to be continued by all leaders of Sarawak after him.
“May Allah SWT grant the best of His mercy and blessings to the soul of late Tun Taib,”he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune.
Meanwhile, Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said Taib left an indelible mark on the state’s history and development.
“Tun Taib forged for Sarawak a united and harmonious society where people could live happily together irrespective of race, religion and culture.
“He often emphasised that while pursuing material progress, we should not lose sight of the need to forge unity and harmony among the people.
“He also often reminded us that we must think carefully and intelligently about our future and about the common destiny we share together,” he said.
The Bawang Assan assemblyman said among others Taib laid the groundwork for the state’s industrial development by setting up the Sarawak Corridor of Renewal Energy (SCORE) which was a platform for the state’s development and economic transformation.
“He also set up training institutes, colleges and universities for manpower requirements, notably College Laila Taib, University of Technology Sarawak, Swimburne University, and Curtin University – all of which are state funded to generate manpower particularly the skilled manpower.
“Tun Taib often went for rural-biased development, allocating 60 to 70 percent of annual budget for infrastructure developments, particularly in the rural areas,” he added.
He also said Taib was prudent in his financial managements as when he stepped down as chief minister in 2014, he left behind a formidable sum in state reserve fund.
“The passing of Tun Taib will mark the conclusion of a memorable era, but the memories remain.
“We can find no better words to express our gratitude than to say ‘Thank you’ to him for having devoted the whole of his life to the people of Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bandar Kuching MP, Dr Kelvin Yii expressed his condolences to the family of the former head of state.
“He has definitely made his mark in Sarawak and history will definitely remember him,” said Yii.
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan said as chief minister, Taib was able to implement major projects that brought development to Sarawak through his ‘Politics of Development’ policy.
This, he said, also formed the basis for COME – change, opportunity, mobility, and equality for all Sarawakians.
Taib passed away at approximately 4.40 am, Wednesday morning at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
The Sarawak government has announced two days of mourning (Feb 21 and 22).
