KUCHING: Today marks the 85th birthday of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Born on May 21, 1936, the prominent leader has had decades’ worth of political experience, earning him the respect and reverence of many.
Various state leaders and non-governmental organisations have shared their well-wishes in conjunction with the Head of State’s birthday.
TOURISM, ARTS AND CULTURE MINISTER, DATUK ABDUL KARIM RAHMAN HAMZAH
“Many happy returns of the day to an exceptional and visionary leader. You have guided us in the right direction and motivated us to do our best. Wishing TYT a joyous birthday today and many more to come.”
WELFARE, COMMUNITY WELLBEING, WOMEN, FAMILY AND CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT MINISTER, DATUK SERI FATIMAH ABDULLAH
“We thank Tun Pehin Sri for laying the foundation in the areas of early childhood development and education in Sarawak as well as bringing more women in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) to become ADUNs (elected representatives). We are also grateful for his emphasis on racial harmony and unity in diversity.
“Remembering some of his landmark contributions on his birthday, we the women of Sarawak and the early childhood development and education proponents, strong advocators of unity and social wellness, would like to thank Tun Pehin Sri for this. We wish him good health, peace, and happiness.”
PARTI RAKYAT SARAWAK (PRS) YOUTH CHIEF, DATUK SNOWDAN LAWAN
“On this auspicious day in conjunction with his 85th birthday, I wish our TYT, Tun Taib, the best of health and prosperity. Tun has been an outstanding leader with excellent public service to all of us in Sarawak.
“Our TYT has been exemplary in leadership, our number one citizen and beacon of unity as Sarawak carries on in its pursuit of continued development in the years ahead. Thank you for being the canopy of peace and harmony in the state of Sarawak.”
ASSISTANT MINISTER IN THE CHIEF MINISTER’S DEPARTMENT (ISLAMIC AFFAIRS AND DBKU), DATUK DR ABDUL RAHMAN JUNAIDI
“Tun Pehin Sri is a dedicated and far-sighted leader since he was chief minister until now. The transformation which took place in Sarawak was largely contributed during his era, and he also succeeded in modernising Sarawak. He has provided a strong platform for continued development towards becoming developed state by 2030.
“All of Sarawak’s people are proud of Tun Pehin Sri’s stance in always maintaining unity of the multiracial community in the state. He has, in fact, become a symbol of unity of the plural society in Sarawak.
“Happy 85th birthday to Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. I pray for our Head of State and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib to be blessed with the best health.”
ASSISTANT MINISTER IN THE CHIEF MINISTER’S DEPARTMENT (CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND SARAWAK PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS UNIT), ABDULLAH SAIDOL
“When Tun Pehin Sri was the chief minister and I served him as his chief political secretary after my first election in 2011, amongst other things, his most memorable advice to me was telling me to always stay humble and to serve the rural people passionately with genuine humanity at heart.
“My prayer for him is to always be in good health and lead with his wisdom as TYT for a better Sarawak.”
PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) WOMEN CHIEF, DATUK CHIEW YEN CHEW
“Today, myself and PDP Women wing have the pleasure of wishing a happy birthday to our Governor of Sarawak, who has served Sarawak as a visionary leader.
“On this special day and amidst the difficult times of the Covid-19 pandemic, we wish you safety and health. We thank you for your contributions past and present which have benefitted and will continue to benefit Sarawak and its people for the greater good.”
SARAWAK UNITED PEOPLE’S PARTY (SUPP) WOMEN CHIEF, KHO TECK WAN
“Happy 85th birthday to Tun. I wish Tun good health and long life. Unity in diversity is not built overnight. Thank you for the leadership and wisdom in protecting Sarawak over the years.”
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) Sarawak chairman cum Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) president, Ahmad Malie
“KGBS and Cuepacs Sarawak wish Happy 85th birthday to TYT Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. Hopefully, his leadership will continue to bring unity and prosperity to the people and the economy of our state.”
HOPE PLACE FOUNDER, KELVIN WAN
“Happy 85th birthday to Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. May God grant you a long and prosperous life.”
