BY NUR ATIQAH QURATULAINI
Batu Danau assemblyman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang described the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud as the father of modern Sarawak.
“His leadership has turned Sarawak from a humble backwater region in the 1960s into a vibrant progressive state and led the foundation of what Sarawak is today,” he said when debating in support of a motion of appreciation to the former Head of State in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly today (May 8).
Paulus noted that the late Taib had spearheaded the establishment of several educational institutions.
“Among these are the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), College Laila Taib and University of Technology Sarawak in Sibu, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus in Kuching and Curtin University in Miri.
“The setting up of these institutions has no doubt created better opportunities for our youth to pursue higher education,” he said.
He stated that the late Taib was also responsible for the establishment of the Bintulu Development Authority aimed at harnessing the abundant oil and gas resources.
“He was also responsible for the creation of new administrative centres in Mukah, Betong, Samarahan as well as elevation of Kuching and Miri to city status.
“The late Tun was also the driving force behind the setting up and development of industrial parks, aimed at encouraging foreign investment, which included Samajaya Industrial Park, Demak Jaya Industrial Park, Samalaju Industrial Park and Tanjung Manis Industrial Par.
“These industrial parks have no doubt created a lot of job opportunities for our local population, including youth from our rural areas,” he said.
The assemblyman said the late Taib was also responsible for the creation of statutory bodies to further expedite the pace of development in the state.
“They include Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and Sarawak Land Development Board.
“In short his legacy stands as a testament to a life dedicated to the development of the people of Sarawak.
“There is no doubt that Sarawak has lost an illustrious son and he will be forever remembered by the people of Sarawak,” he added.
