BY GABRIEL LIHAN AND NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS
KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was visibly emotional as he recounted his recent visit to former Yang di-Pertua Negeri, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, just before the latter’s passing.
“I feel deeply grateful to him. Yesterday, I managed to visit him and seeing his face… (it means so much),” he said as his voice trembled with emotion.
Reflecting on their long standing relationship, Abang Johari said he was mentored by Taib since his entry into politics in 1981.
“He (Taib) was the chief minister back then and he taught me a lot.
“Together, we overcame numerous challenges and successfully steered the state’s politics towards remarkable achievements,” he said at a press conference held at Kuching International Airport (KIA) before the arrival of Taib’s remains today.
Taib, he said, had been in service since the establishment of Malaysia in 1963 as a minister in the first governments of Sarawak and Malaysia and made significant contributions, including being one of the architects in the establishment of Petronas.
He also helmed the Ministry of Primary Industries during the administration of the second prime minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak.
“It was during his tenure at the ministry that he became one of the individuals that successfully contributed to the establishment of Petronas by strengthening the oil industry, which at that time was held by outside parties,” Abang Johari said.
“Taib’s legacy is unparalleled. His leadership was instrumental in laying the foundation for Petronas, a testament to his visionary leadership,” he added.
Earlier, Abang Johari also mentioned Taib’s cultural interests, noting the latter’s admiration for P. Ramlee’s films and their underlying philosophical themes.
“He often highlighted the concept of equality, drawing parallels from P. Ramlee’s works, which explore the nuances of human existence,” he explained.
The Premier said Taib’s emphasis on the well-being of the people in Sarawak remained a guiding principle. “We must remain humble and dedicated to serving the populace, ensuring their livelihoods are safeguarded,” he stressed. Taib passed away at 4.40am at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur today. He was 87.
