KUCHING: The late former Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud embodied a paternal presence for young politicians of Datuk Mutang Tagal’s era.
The Senate President said Taib was always approachable and supportive in matters concerning the constituents, political affairs and personal concerns.
He stressed that Taib’s friendly and accessible demeanour extended to all those around him, regardless of their status or affiliations.
“Personally, I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Tun, whose support launched my political journey when he assumed office as the Chief Minister of Sarawak in 1981.
“At the youthful age of 27, he entrusted me, a recent college graduate, with the opportunity to contest as a Member of Parliament for Bukit Mas, now known as Lawas and Limbang.
“His confidence in me was accompanied by unwavering guidance, support, and immense assistance, enabling me to diligently serve my constituents until 1990,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 21).
Mutang said throughout Taib’s illustrious career spanning over six decades, he made significant contributions to the development and progress of Sarawak, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s history and the lives of its people.
A passionate statesman in education, Mutang said Taib had spearheaded the establishment of educational institutions such as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) in Kota Samarahan, ushering in an era of educational advancement and expanding opportunities for education and employment for the people of Sarawak.
“Under his leadership, Kota Samarahan was transformed into the educational hub of Sarawak, facilitating the establishment of various training institutes and colleges to equip the people of Sarawak with diverse skills,” he added.
Taib was also instrumental in empowering rural development by identifying catalyst areas for infrastructure and basic amenities.
“His achievements included the establishment of the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) to optimise the utilisation of Sarawak’s oil and gas resources, as well as the creation of new administrative divisions such as Mukah, Betong, and Samarahan, alongside development initiatives in and around the cities of Kuching and Miri,” he said.
Taib also played a pivotal role in the development of various industrial parks, including Samajaya Industrial Park, Demak Jaya Industrial Park, Samalaju Industrial Park, and Tanjung Manis Industrial Park.
“These industrial park developments not only created job opportunities but also contributed to the overall development of the surrounding areas,” he said.
On top of that, he said Taib also established the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (“SCORE”) in 2008, an economic region and development corridor covering central Sarawak.
“The establishment of SCORE represents a strategic initiative taken by Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud that laid the foundation for Sarawak to capitalise on its natural resources, promote sustainable development, and position the region as a key player in the global economy,” he stressed.
Mutang stressed that under Taib’s leadership as the Chief Minister, Sarawak also embarked on an era and journey of industrialisation as he led transformative efforts in key primary sectors such as timber, palm oil, and forestry.
“He established several statutory bodies such as the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), and Sacofa Sdn Bhd, while expanding the roles and functions of existing bodies such as Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA),” he said.
Mutang emphasised that the passing of Taib is a profound loss for Sarawak and the nation.
“His visionary leadership, dedication to public service, and tireless efforts to improve the lives of the people of Sarawak will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.
“Taib leaves behind a legacy of progress, development, and unity, inspiring all who follow in his footsteps to continue his noble work for the betterment of Sarawak and its people.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, my fellow Sarawakians and all those who mourn. Taib will always remain fond in our hearts, leaving behind his unmatched legacy as ‘Bapa Permodenan Sarawak’,” he said.
