KUCHING, Feb 21: The body of the former Sarawak Governor, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, arrived at the Kuching International Airport (KIA) at 4:25 pm.
The late Tun Taib’s body arrived at the location after being flown from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah International Airport, Subang at 2 o’clock this afternoon.
A somber and mournful atmosphere enveloped the arrival of the body of the former Chief Minister of Sarawak.
His wife, Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi, accompanied the late Tun Taib’s body, which was received by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premiers of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, and several other members of the Sarawak Cabinet.
A total of nine pallbearers and 106 members of the Main Honor Guard (KKU) received and accompanied his body.
Seventeen cannon shots were fired as a tribute to the passing of the respected figure of the state and the nation.
The late Tun Taib’s body will be taken to his residence in Demak Jaya, Jalan Bako, afterwards.
A state funeral would be held for Taib at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex tomorrow, and members of the public can pay their last respects from 8 AM to 11.30 AM.
He will then be laid to rest at the family burial ground in Demak Jaya after prayers at Masjid Demak.
Tun Taib took his final breath at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur at 4:40 AM on Wednesday.-Â TVS