Taib’s remains being carried into his residence in Demak Jaya today by members of the Royal Malaysian Air Force. – Photo from Information Department
KUCHING (Feb 21): A somber and melancholic atmosphere enveloped the residence of former Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud in Demak Jaya as the late statesman’s remains arrived around 5.11pm today.
The arrival of his remains were welcomed by family members and leaders in the state government.
Among those present were Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan; and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
The late Taib’s remains arrived here at 4.25pm from Kuala Lumpur via a Malaysian Royal Air Force C130 Hercules aircraft before being transported to his residence.
Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib comforted by family members at their residence in Demak Jaya today. – Photo from Information Department
Taib, 87, passed away at 4.40 am today after receiving treatment for about a week at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
Born on May 21, 1936, Taib was a key figure in shaping Sarawak’s development, having led the state as Chief Minister for 33 years.
He was officially appointed as the seventh Governor of Sarawak, succeeding Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, on March 1, 2014.
After nearly 10 years in office, Taib was succeeded by Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who was sworn in as Governor on Jan 29 this year.
Taib was married to Datuk Patinggi Puan Sri Laila Taib, of Polish descent, who passed away due to cancer on April 29, 2009, after 50 years of marriage.
The couple had four children from their marriage: Jamilah Hamidah, Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Sulaiman, and Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib.
On Dec 18, 2010, Taib married Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib.