MIRI: The late former Head of the State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud was a dedicated leader who always prioritised the welfare of the rakyat.
“Throughout his tenure, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people in Sarawak. His focus on serving the rakyat was unwavering, and he was always ready to listen to their needs and concerns.
“Under his leadership, significant progress was made in various areas, from infrastructure development to social welfare programmes,” said an Iban community leader, Penghulu Randi Elon.
The late Taib’s legacy will continue to inspire future leaders to prioritise the well-being of the rakyat above all else, he added.
During Taib’s tenure, Sarawak experienced unprecedented growth and development.
“Under his leadership, Sarawak underwent significant infrastructure improvements, including the construction of new roads, bridges, and public transportation systems.
“His vision and dedication to improve the quality of life for the people of Sarawak have left a lasting impact on us. His commitment to sustainable development and urban planning has set a strong foundation for future growth and prosperity in Sarawak,” Randi said.
The late Taib’s legacy will be remembered for years to come as a time of progress and positive change for Sarawak.
Echoing similar views was Penghulu Desmond Yap of Long Lama.
“The late Taib, has been supporting the Chinese school in Long Lama; during his tenure as our chief minister he approved a piece of land for us to relocate SJK(c) Kee Tee, Long Lama, to a new site,” Yap said when contacted today.
“His dedication to education and commitment to improve the Chinese community here was evident in his decision-making process. With his vision and leadership, the school project was able to move forward and provide a valuable resource for the children in the area”, he added.
His foresight and dedication to provide quality education for all will always be remembered and appreciated, Yap said.
Taib, 87, served for three terms as Sarawak Governor from March 1, 2014, until Jan 26 this year, when Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar succeeded him.
He was also Sarawak’s longest-serving chief minister from 1981 to 2014.
Taib passed away at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur at 4.40 am today.