Premier pays tribute to Taib

KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has paid tribute to the outgoing Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, acknowledging his contributions to the state’s development and wellbeing.

“Pehin Sri Abdul Taib, as the Chief Minister had demonstrated exceptional leadership, uniting people of diverse races and religions in Sarawak. His ‘politics of development’ philosophy fostered political stability and economic modernisation, particularly through the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE). He is the father of modern Sarawak,” said Abang Johari in a statement today (Jan 28).

He credited Taib with nurturing new leaders, including the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and himself.

Taib’s decade-long tenure as the seventh Yang di-Pertua Negeri concluded this year, following a distinguished public service career.

He began in the State Cabinet after Sarawak gained independence in 1963, later serving in various federal roles from 1966. He returned to Sarawak as the fourth Chief Minister in 1981, succeeding Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’akub.