KUCHING, Feb 22 – Sarawakians from various backgrounds paid tribute to former Sarawak Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud who died at the age of 87 early Wednesday.
Many Sarawakians conveyed their condolences and sadness through social media platforms since hearing the news of Abdul Taib’s passing. He had served as the Chief Minister of Sarawak for 33 years.
Private sector worker Sheera Shaheera Abg Mansor, 30, said Abdul Taib’s services and sacrifices for Sarawak cannot be denied.
“Your contributions will be remembered forever. May Allah place your soul among the believers. Al-Fatihah,” she said.
A journalist in Kuching, Henrietta Liza Balakrishnan, 40, also expressed condolences, especially to Abdul Taib’s family.
“Deepest condolences to the family (of Tun Abdul Taib). May his soul rest in peace,” she said.
Sarawakian singers and celebrities such as Dayang Nurfaizah, Hafiz Suip, and Bob Yusof also expressed their condolences.
Abdul Taib, also known as the Father of Morden Sarawak, died at 4.40 am today at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
His body was flown from the Subang Air Base in an Royal Malaysian Air Force C130 Hercules aircraft to the Kuching International Airport and thereafter transported to his residence in Demak Jaya here. The hearse arrived at the residence at 5.10 pm.
Besides family members, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and a lineup of Sarawak ministers were among the state leaders present to pay their last respects at his residence.
The body will be taken to the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building on Thursday, and members of the public can pay their last respects between 8 am and 11.30 am.
After that, the body will be taken to Masjid Demak near his house for prayers before a state burial at the family cemetery in Demak Jaya.
