Sarawak declares two days of mourning for Taib Mahmud

KUCHING: Sarawak has declared two days of mourning for the late former Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, who passed away on Wednesday (Feb 21).

The state government said flags would be flown at half-mast on Wednesday and Thursday (Feb 22), while official functions involving entertainment would be postponed.

Mosques and houses of worship are encouraged to hold prayer services for Abdul Taib.

"The state government extends its condolences to the family of the late allahyarham Tun Pehin Sri," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

The state government also said a state funeral would be held for Taib at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex on Thursday.

Members of the public can pay their last respects from 8am to 11.30am.

After that, his remains will be brought to Masjid Demak for prayers.

He will be laid to rest at the family burial ground at his private residence in Demak Jaya.

Abdul Taib, 87, passed away at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur at 4.28am today.