BY SHARIFAH NONG-JASIMA
KUCHING: Sarawak’s Melanau community holds Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud in high esteem, wearing his emergence from among them as a badge of honour.
So his passing on Feb 21 at the age of 87 was understandably deeply troubling and sad for them.
But even in their grief they were in total agreement that Taib, who served as chief minister for a record 33 years before assuming office as Head of State for nearly a decade, was a giant among his peers, one whose shoes would be hard to fill, if ever.
And they took pride that he was one of them.
Winnie Wena Dominic Lai from Kampung Tellian, Mukah said Taib had fought for the state since the days when he was chief minister until he became the head of state.
“His passing is a great loss for the people of Sarawak because it was under his leadership when Sarawak advanced,” she said.
Penghulu Haji Besiri from Mukah meanwhile said Taib was a beloved figure who had fought for the prosperity and the development of Sarawak.
“Taib contributed a lot to the state and all of these contributions will be remembered by Sarawakians,” he said.
“Let’s all pray for him, and that he will be placed among the righteous,” he added.
Across the South China Sea in Selangor, Sarawak-born Melanau, Quenifoneous Dominic described the passing of Taib as a sad episode.
To him it is a turning point especially for Sarawakians who lost an important leader in the history of the state’s administration and politics.
“Tun’s many contributions to Sarawak and her people, especially from the viewpoint of political stability and governance, are being enjoyed by Sarawakians,”
He believes that Taib’s legacy ultimately ensured the continuity of Sarawak’s progress and development, steering clear of the increasingly challenging political polemics of the country.
According to Temenggong Hendi Suhai from Mukah, Taib was a shining jewel in terms of ensuring the well-being of Sarawakian communities and Malaysians in general.
“Taib transformed Sarawak and his service and devotion to the state are still felt by all walks of life.”
Hendi said Sarawakians have Taib to thank for playing an important role in the increasing sustainability of their lives.
Additionally, he said it must also be acknowledged that Taib guaranteed racial and religious harmony among the people Sarawak.
“His passing is indeed a great loss for Sarawak and its people,” Hendi added.
Bintulu-born, Sharmine Latif, also a Melanau, credited Taib with being the Father of Modern Sarawak.
“He was a pioneer in the progress and the development of Sarawak, making invaluable contributions to the Sarawak community.
“May his legacy be cherished, and may the spirit of his leadership continue to inspire the advancement of Sarawak,” she said.
Taib passed away at 4.40am at the Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur Hospital. He was accorded a state funeral and his remains were buried at his family cemetery in Demak Jaya on Thursday.
