KUCHING, Feb 21: The passing of former Governer and Chief Minister of Sarawak, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, meant a loss of a great leader to not only Sarawak but Malaysia as a whole, said Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Annuar added that the late Tun Taib has served not only in Sarawak but also at the federal level, proving an immense loss for the whole country.
“It won’t be easy for us to find another leader as distinguished as Tun,” he said in a media conference in Sibu on Wednesday morning.
Annuar reflected on Tun Taib’s advice and guidance when he was elected as Nangka Assemblyman in 2011.
“I am very fortunate because for 33 years, Tun was the Chief Minister of Sarawak, and I had the opportunity to serve under his leadership when I was chosen as a candidate in 2011.
“Even a year after that, his guidance continued. I assured him that I would work diligently with the mandate and responsibility,” he added.
Annuar also noted that the late Tun has repeatedly stressed the importance of all the people in Sarawak working together.
“He [Tun Taib] emphasized that there is no option and no alternative but to collaborate, for the betterment of the state.”
Born on May 21, 1936, Abdul Taib helmed the state as the Chief Minister for 33 years.
He was appointed as the seventh Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, replacing Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng on 1 March 2014, serving the post until 26 January 2024.-TVS
