Taib a moderate, brilliant leader who inspired Sarawak to progress — Sim
KUCHING: The late former Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud was a moderate and brilliant leader who led Sarawak to progress with his ‘Politics of Development’ policy, said Dato Sim Kiang Chiok.
According to the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda) Kuching chairman, the late Taib leaves behind a proud state managed by Sarawakians, with solid financial reserves and a strong foundation.
“This foundation enables 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,” added Sim in a statement yesterday.
Sim also said that the passing of Taib is indeed sad news for him and his family because Taib used to be his father’s classmate.
Taib was educated at De La Salle’s St Joseph’s School which was also attended by his late father, Datuk Sim Swee Yong.
“He was a classmate of my late father and a very close friend to us, the Sim family.
“I remember my late father, Dato Sim Swee Yong, always speaking highly of his (Taib’s) achievements for Sarawak, both as our chief minister and governor,” he said.
As a moderate and inclusive leader, he added, Taib had encouraged his late father to initiate the Annual Intercultural Mooncake Festival at Carpenter Street, which showcased Taib’s moderate and inclusive government policies.
“A memorable quote of his that I always remember that was shared at a dinner function is (quote) we can’t choose our parents nor our race, so we must be fair to all (end quote),” he said.
Thus, Taib’s passing had deeply affected not only the Sim family but all who knew him and were touched by his leadership and vision for Sarawak, he added.