KUCHING: The passing of former Sarawak Tuan Yang di-Pertua (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has left a significant impact on many, including Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Stakan chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok and his family.
Sim, who considered Taib a close friend and mentor, shared his thoughts on the loss.
“He was a classmate of my late father and a very close friend to us, the Sim family.
“Tun Taib was a moderate and brilliant leader, educated at De La Salle’s St Joseph’s School. He led us towards progress with his policy of ‘Politics of Development’.”
Sim praised Taib’s legacy, stressing that the former Sarawak Governor left behind a proud state managed by Sarawakians, with solid financial reserves and a strong foundation.
“This foundation enabled us to leap forward into the 21st century with his initiatives like the hydro dams, the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), and again, a healthy financial reserve.”
He added: “As a leader, Tun Taib was committed to fostering intercultural understanding. He encouraged initiatives like the Annual Intercultural Mooncake Festival at Carpenter Street, which showcased Sarawak’s diverse cultural heritage.”
“A memorable quote of his that I always remember was shared at a dinner function. We can’t choose our parents nor our race, so we must be fair to all,” said Sim.
The loss of Taib deeply affects not only the Sim family but all who knew him and were touched by his leadership and vision for Sarawak.
