Former Sarawak governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud has passed away at age 87. The news was conveyed by his daughter, Datuk Hanifar Taib, who confirmed the former governor passed away at 4:28am, Wednesday (21st February) at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur.
The remains of the late Taib Mahmud will be at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur before it is brought back to Kuching. According to the Minister of State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, a state funeral for the deceased will be held at the New Sarawak Legislative Complex. The Sarawak state government has also declared two days of mourning for the late Taib Mahmud, adding that flags will be flown at half-mast while official functions will be postponed.
Taib Mahmud was often regarded as the father of modern Sarawak. He was the state’s longest-serving chief minister from 1981 to 2014 and was the head of state until 26th January of this year. His efforts helped transform Sarawak into a modern economy with many developments accredited to his name.
However, many Sarawakians have also been critical of the former head of state. Many believed Taib was corrupt and approved environmentally disastrous policies that negatively affected the state. Malaysians have also been critical of Taib Mahmud’s second wife, Raghad Kurdi and his stepchildren, claiming they have reaped many benefits, including gaining citizenship and even Bumiputera status.
Following news of his death, many netizens questioned the fate of Taib Mahmud’s wealth. Many were concerned whether his family, particularly his second wife and stepchildren, would inherit his estate, estimated to be in the billions. Recently, his stepson sparked outrage after a resurfaced video showed him wiping his mouth with a wad of cash. The action was deemed a mockery of the Sawarakians’ hardships.
Others argue that Taib’s biological children from his first marriage may be the ones to inherit his wealth. Besides Datuk Hanifah, Taib is also the father of Jamilah, Mahmud Bekir and Sulaiman, the former Deputy Minister of Tourism of Malaysia. Mahmud Bekir and Sulaiman also recently made headlines for filing a civil suit against Raghad, seeking a court injunction to halt the transfer of shares from Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB) to her name.
On the other hand, many Sarawakians believe his estate should be distributed to the state and its people. Many claimed this is more apt because the late Taib earned most of his wealth from his position as head of state.
Sources: The Star (1)(2), Facebook, Twitter (1)(2), Malay Mail, CiliSos
