MIRI: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib yesterday paid Chinese New Year visits to two prominent dignitaries here.
They first visited Miri Housing executive chairman Dato Prof (Dr) Lau Siew Wai at Hill Top Garden here before calling on Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin at his residence at Tanjong Lobang.
Lau presented Taib with an original copy of a book he wrote himself.
According to Lau, the book, which featured his achievements, would be published in three months’ time.
For a start, 1,000 copies will be printed and all proceeds from the book sales will be donated to charitable bodies here to help needy students.
Lau described Taib as a brilliant ‘architect’ for Sarawak.
“He has turned Sarawak into a great state with his vision,” he said.
Accompanying Taib Mahmud and Ragad were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Assistant Minister Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting, Miri Resident Mastapa Julaihi and District Officer Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof.
Taib’s entourage wrapped its Chinese New Year visits by calling on Samling group founder Tan Sri Dr Yaw Teck Seng at Marina Lagoon and having lunch together.
