KOTA KINABALU: Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, the longest-serving Sarawak chief minister has passed away at the age of 87.
His death was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, as reported by FMT.
Taib held the position of head of the Sarawak government for an impressive 33 years, from 1981 to 2014, making him the longest-serving state government leader in Malaysia.
Additionally, he served as a Member of Parliament for Kota Samarahan for 38 years, from 1970 to 2008.
In 2014, Taib took on the role of Sarawak governor until last month.
He is recognized for his significant contributions to the development of the state through various infrastructure projects.
Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg referred to him as the “father of modern Sarawak” earlier this year.
Johari praised Taib for being the driving force behind the state’s unity and political stability, which he believed began during Taib’s tenure as chief minister.
Born in Miri, Sarawak, on May 21, 1936, Taib was the eldest of 10 siblings to Mahmud Abang Yahya and Hamidah Ya’kub.
After completing his law studies at the University of Adelaide, Taib worked as a judge’s associate in the Supreme Court of South Australia before returning to Sarawak.
He began his public service career as a member of the first state Cabinet following Sarawak’s self-governance grant by the British in 1963.
Taib held various ministerial positions in Sarawak before transitioning to federal politics in 1966.
He served in ministries such as defence, primary industries, and federal territories before becoming Sarawak’s fourth chief minister.
