KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed his condolences to the family of former Sarawak governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud after his passing this morning.
Anwar, via his social media accounts, said Taib’s death meant that the nation lost a respected statesman and was more deeply felt by the people of Sarawak.
“I’m saddened by the news of the passing of former Yang di-Pertua Negeri and Sarawak’s chief minister early this morning.
“On behalf of the Madani government, I’d like to express my condolences to his family and the people of Sarawak.
“Indeed, we, especially the people of Sarawak, have lost a respected statesman. His contributions and devotion to the nation and Sarawak will always be remembered, forever. Al-fatihah,” he said.
Taib died around 4.40am at KL Cardiac Vascular Sentral. He was 87 years old.
His passing was announced by his daughter and Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib’s private secretary via Hanifah’s Facebook account.
His body has been sent to the National Mosque, here, before being taken back to his home state of Sarawak for burial and prayers in Demak Muslim cemetery, nearby his official residence in the state.
The Sarawak government has also declared a two-day mourning period, during which flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the state and other official activities postponed.
Taib’s body is expected to arrive at RMAF Kuching Air Base this afternoon from Kuala Lumpur and lie in state at the state assembly building, where the public will be able to pay their last respects from 8am to 12pm tomorrow.
He will then be taken to the Demak Jaya Mosque for prayers before being buried at the Demak Jaya cemetery.
Born on May 21, 1936, Taib helmed the state as chief minister for 33 years and served as governor for almost a decade. – February 21, 2024