Dr Rundi: Taib turned Sarawak into modern state
The late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud was a disciplined person whose achievements far eclipsed those of others, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
In paying tribute to the former chief minister and governor, the Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development said Taib had calibre in terms of leadership.
“He turned Sarawak from a backward to modern state. Therefore our ministry owes him much and his demise saddens Sarawakians, particularly members of Gabungan Parti Sarawak,” he was cited in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report.
“We see him as an icon for Sarawak to move forward in a specific way. To me, particularly Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, he was the strength of our party.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said Sarawakians would miss Taib’s wisdom.
“Largely, and by leaps and bounds, we inherited what he had shaped for us during his three decades as chief minister from 1981 to 2014,” said the Parti Rakyat Sarawak Youth chairman.
In a statement, he said Taib had transformed the state’s development from an agricultural-based landscape into the modern and thriving state it is today.
He had initiated and introduced manufacturing and industrial economy during his tenure of office, Snowdan added.
He said Taib’s politics of development has had a profound impact on the multi-ethnic society in Sarawak such that the racial harmony enjoyed by Sarawakians currently, is an envy to others.
“His understanding willingness to accommodate political rivalry and turn it into opportunities of consensus has led the state to a high degree of tolerance and hence the peace and harmony that Sarawakians enjoy now,” he said.
On the political front, Snowdan said he appreciated Taib’s endorsement for him to become a candidate for the Balai Ringin seat in the 2006 state election.
“His passing is a great loss to us all. His great political endeavours will be a priceless book of reference for us legislators and public administrators alike,” said Snowdan.