Taib’s services cherished | The Star

PETALING JAYA: Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud will always be remembered as a respected statesman, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“On behalf of the Madani administration, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Taib’s family and the people of Sarawak.

“We, especially the people of Sarawak, lost a respected statesman.

“The services and dedication of Allahyarham to the country and Sarawak will always be remembered forever. Al-Fatihah,” Anwar said in a social media post yesterday.

He added Taib’s services to the country and Sarawak will always be remembered forever.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Taib’s passing was a great loss to the people.

He added Taib had made tremendous contributions to the state during his tenure.

“His passing is certainly a great loss to the country, especially the people of Sarawak because the late Abdul Taib was a person who brought great changes to ‘Bumi Kenyalang’ since taking over the leadership.

“May his soul be blessed,” said Dr Wee.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is in Osaka, Japan, also expressed his condolences over Taib’s death.

“A great loss for the people of Malaysia, especially the people of Sarawak, because he played a very important role in governing and driving the success of Sarawak.

“He was an approachable person and always concerned for the people. May Allah accept all his deeds and place him among the pious,” he said.

Cabinet Ministers also expressed their condolences to the family of former Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, who passed away early yesterday.

Madani government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said that Taib had contributed significantly to the development and modernisation of the state.

Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said that the National Unity Week 2023 event held in Kuching last May was his last meeting with Taib.

“He appeared to be frail, but he continued his work steadfastly at that time,” he said.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said Taib had played an important role in the administration of the state and Malaysia as a whole.

The Bersatu secretary-general said Taib’s contributions had allowed Sarawak to achieve its great progress to date.

“I knew the late Tun Pehin Sri (Taib) very well… (he was) an exemplary figure and leader I respect very much.

“His passing is a great loss to Sarawak and the country,” he added.

PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man also expressed his condolences.

“My condolences to the family of Allahyarham and the people of Sarawak,” he said.

Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein described Taib’s passing as a great loss to the country, especially for Sarawak.

“So many services, contributions and efforts were contributed by the late Allahyarham, especially during his tenure as chief minister and Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.

“My deepest condolences to all his family members, close friends and the people of Sarawak.”

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak also expressed his condolences to Taib’s family.

Throughout Taib’s tenure as chief minister, and later as the Governor of Sarawak, he said his close relationship with the Federal Government and the prime minister at that time had led to continuous development.

“Sarawak has lost a respected political figure and leader.

“Condolences to the people of Sarawak and the family members of the late Tun Pehin Sri,” added Najib.