‘A respected statesman, who will be greatly missed’
Leaders have expressed sadness over former Sarawak governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s passing, describing him as an exemplary leader who had earned the respect and admiration of many. Here’s what some have said:
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof
“If I were to enumerate his contributions, there are many, but in terms of political struggle, it is about unity and also how to enhance the capabilities of the people of Sarawak in terms of knowledge, skills, and fighting spirit.”
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
“Indeed, his passing is a great loss to the country, especially to the people of Sarawak because of the great contribution he made at the national level, what more at the Sarawak level, and he was a progressive and dynamic leader.”
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian
“Apart from politics of development in Sarawak, Tun’s legacy was to ensure that only Sarawak-based political parties could govern Sarawak rather than to let (Peninsular-based) Umno or Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) come to Sarawak.”
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas
“Tun Pehin Sri was truly a great master planner and architect of a modern, united and progressive Sarawak. He indeed played a very important role in governing and in driving the success of our state.”
Democratic Action Party Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen
“Though we may disagree on certain policies during his tenure as the chief minister, but overall, he has contributed tremendously to the development of the state. He laid a strong foundation for the present government to take Sarawak to another level.”
Former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang
“He devoted his time to the development of Sarawak from the time when Sarawak was at the bo om three of the worst performing states within Malaysia to climbing up to top three, the best three within Malaysia.”
Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi
“Personally, I was touched by his concern when, during his final year as Sarawak Chief Minister, he asked me if there was anything he could do to help my constituency in Kapit, without me asking first.”
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil
“We are deeply saddened by his passing... and it’s also important for us to remember his contributions.”
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah
“A great statesman has departed, a distinguished leader of the nation. A leader who laid a strong foundation for unity in diversity in Sarawak, physical and human development, and the empowerment of women.”
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali
“It’s a sad day for the people of Sarawak. May Allah shower His mercy on Tun and classify him among His righteous. Tun had rendered immense services to Sarawak. Your contributions will be remembered Tun.”
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau
“Rural development was a cornerstone of Tun Taib’s policy agenda, and there are clear proofs of the progress achieved in our rural areas. Initiatives such as road construction, facilitated by controlled logging activities, have brought easier accessibility to remote villages.”
Chief political secretary to the Premier, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman
“During his tenure, he successfully ensured that Sarawak not only developed as a territory within the Malaysian federation but also safeguarded and nurtured relations among its diverse communities.”
Parti Sarawak Bersatu president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh
“He o en emphasised that while pursuing material progress, we should not lose sight of the need to forge unity and harmony among our people. He also o en reminded us that we must think carefully and intelligently about our future and about the common destiny we share together.”