KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof have conveyed their condolences over the passing of former Sarawak governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Zahid, who shared on his Facebook page, said Taib’s death is a huge loss for Malaysians, especially Sarawakians as he played a very important role in driving the success of the state.
“I have too many memories with Taib. He was easy to approach and was always willing to serve the community.”
Meanwhile, Fadillah, who was seen at the KL Cardiac Vascular Sentral hospital at 8.05am today, shared his condolences as well.
“From God we come and to God we return. Taib’s passing is a great loss, not just for Sarawak, but the country. He once served as a federal minister before returning to Sarawak.
“May his soul be blessed and placed among the faithful and righteous,” he posted on his Facebook account.
Fadillah spent about an hour at the hospital where Taib’s body was. The deputy prime minister was later seen at the National Mosque here ahead of the arrival of the hearse.
Meanwhile, newly minted Dewan Negara president Datuk Mutang Tagal conveyed his condolences over the passing of former Sarawak governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.
“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a true statesman, Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, former governor of Sarawak and fondly known as ‘Bapa Pembangunan Moden’.
“His passing is a great loss to Sarawak and the nation, his unwavering dedication and immense contributions to Sarawakians will forever be cherished and appreciated.
“Sending heartfelt condolences to his family, my fellow Sarawakians and all who were touched by his remarkable legacy. May his soul rest in peace.”
Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil, via X, conveyed his sorrow over the news of Taib’s death.
“Saddened by the news of the passing of former Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak this morning. On behalf of the Communication Ministry, I convey our condolences to Taib’s family. From Allah we come and to Him we return.
“May his soul be showered with mercy and placed among the believers. Al-fatihah.”
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa also chimed in conveying her condolences to Taib’s family via her social media accounts.
“Taib’s passing is a great loss for the country. May his soul be placed among those who believed. Al-fatihah.”
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s Facebook admin posted that Sarawak has lost a respected political figure and a leader.
“Throughout his tenure as Sarawak’s chief minister, and then as the Sarawak governor, he maintained a close relationship with the federal government as well as then prime minister (Najib), which led to continuous development.
“Sarawak has lost a respected political figure and a leader. My condolences to the people of Sarawak and Taib’s family.”
State Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said Taib’s death left a significant void in the hearts of Sarawakians and the state leadership.
“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,” she said in a statement.
“Ya Allah, forgive his sins, bestow Your mercy upon him, grant him peace, and forgive him. Honour his death, widen his grave, place his soul among the souls of the believers, and grant patience to his family.”
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob remembers Taib for his past services and sacrifices made for the country, especially Sarawak.
“Throughout his life, Taib has always ensured that the relationship between the state and the federal government remained intact for the continued prosperity of the country.
“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of a great figure, who never stopped showing his devotion to the land where he came from.
“My condolences to the family and the people of Sarawak. May his soul be blessed and placed with the believers,” he posted on his Facebook account.
Meanwhile, the Consulate-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching expressed their condolences to Taib’s family.
The consulate, in a statement via its website, prayed for Taib’s family to be given patience in facing this ordeal.
“We also mourn the death of Tun Taib, the former president of Sarawak. May his acts of worship be accepted by Allah and his family be given patience.”
Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi expressed his condolences and sadness over Taib’s death, by remembering the late former Sarawak governor as the figure who had invested his all in developing the state as well as the country.
“Deeply saddened to receive the news of Taib’s passing, who breathed his last breath in Kuala Lumpur early this morning. My condolences to all members of Tun’s family, and may they be given strength to face this ordeal.
“The country and Sarawak, in particular, have lost one of their highly respected figures who had invested his all in developing the country and Bumi Kenyalang.
“May the family of the late Tun Taib be given strength to face this loss,” said the Sarawakian lawmaker.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said Sarawak has lost another great figure in the political arena.
“Tun Abdul Taib was my late father’s political partner, chief of his cabinet, a family friend and Sarawak Heart Foundation chairman.
“Thirty-three years of Tun’s chief ministership resulted in not just political stability but social and religious harmony in Sarawak. Thanks for all your contributions to Sarawak, Tun,” he said in a Facebook post.
He added that Taib was the person responsible for the relocation of the cardiac service from Sarawak General Hospital to Kota Samarahan, now known as the Sarawak Heart Centre, in 2001.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said all Sarawakians mourned the passing of the father of modern Sarawak.
“It’s a sad day for the people of Sarawak. May Allah shower His mercy and place him among the righteous. Tun had rendered immense services to Sarawak. Your contributions will be remembered Tun.”
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed his condolences to the family of Taib, and that Sarawak lost a leader who had contributed greatly to the people and development of the state.
“Heartfelt condolences to the family and may Allah show mercy on his soul,” he said in a statement here today.
Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas credited Taib as the architect of a united and modern Sarawak.
He said Taib, who was the chief minister of Sarawak for three decades between 1981 and 2014, was instrumental in propelling the growth of the state.
“Tun 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.
“In politics, Tun Pehin Sri (Taib) commendably succeeded in leading Sarawak through politics of mutual respect, collaboration and co-operation amongst the multi-racial and multi-religious people of Sarawak, securing the harmony and unity we enjoy here today.”
Sarawak has lost a “great visionary leader” with Taib’s passing, said state Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.
He said Taib will always be remembered for his immense contributions to the state’s development.
“We have lost a great visionary leader. He has done great work for Sarawak which allows a smooth transition of power to the present leadership.
“He will be cherished, respected, and remembered for all time. May he rest in eternal peace. Amen.”
Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said in a statement that Taib forged a united and harmonious society where Sarawakians could live happily together irrespective of race, religion, and culture.
“He often emphasised that while pursuing material progress, we should not lose sight of the need to forge unity and harmony among our people.
“He also often reminded us that we must think carefully and intelligently about our future and about the common destiny we share together.”
Wong, who is also Bawang Assan assemblyman, credited Taib for setting up state-funded Kolej Laila Taib, University of Technology Sarawak, Swinburne University of Technology, and Curtin University Malaysia. – February 21, 2024