TAIB LAID TO REST AT FAMILY CEMETERY
Thousands pay their last respects to former governor at state assembly complex
FORMER Sarawak governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud was laid to rest with full state honours at the family cemetery in Demak Jaya here after Zohor prayers yesterday.
The recitation of the talkin was done by Sarawak grand imam Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi before the Sarawak flag, as the highest honour of the state government, was presented to Taib’s wife, Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib.
Taib was buried next to the grave of his first wife, Datuk Patinggi Puan Sri Laila Taib, who died of cancer on April 29, 2009.
Earlier, Taib’s remains were brought for a lying-in-state at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Complex here to allow the public, dignitaries and cabinet members to pay their last respects.
The state government declared a two-day mourning period — on Wednesday and yesterday — with flags flown at halfmast and all entertainment events postponed.
Despite the rainy weather, thousands of Malaysians, particularly Sarawakians gathered at the state assembly complex to bid farewell to Taib.
Describing the late Taib as a legendary figure of the state, Zaahara Mahlidi, 55, a teacher from Bintulu, took the opportunity to pay her final respects to the former Sarawak chief
minister together with her husband.
“Coincidentally, I was in Kuching visiting my family when I heard the news of Tun’s passing yesterday morning (on Wednesday).
“Despite uncertainties about entry to the complex, I was determined to come.
“Taib has been my idol since childhood for his wisdom in governing Sarawak. This is the last time I will be able to see him,” she told Bernama.
Zaahara, who is of MalayMelanau descent, said she once had the opportunity to see the Father of Modern Sarawak up close during an event he attended as chief minister.
Kuching Melanau Association president Faridah Osman said the death of Taib, a Melanau
native, was a significant loss to the community.
She said Taib had played a pivotal role in fostering unity among people of different ethnicity and cultures in the state.
“He did a lot for Sarawak, and from my involvement in the association,
whenever we organised a state event, he would tell us to uphold the Sarawakian hospitality.
“I will always remember that,” she said.
Taib, 87, died at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur at 4.40am on Wednesday.
Born on May 21, 1936, Taib contributed greatly to Sarawak’s development when he led the state as chief minister for 33 years, making him the longestserving chief minister in the country.