Taib left behind a legacy of progress, says Senate President

PETALING JAYA: The late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud left an indelible mark on Sarawak's history and the lives of its people throughout an illustrious career that spanned over six decades, says Dewan Negara president Datuk Mutang Tagal.

He said the former Sarawak governor made significant contributions to the development and progress of the state.

Mutang said his death was 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.

"He 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," he said

The former Bukit Mas MP said he owed a debt of gratitude to Abdul Taib, who helped him launch his political journey at the age of 27.

"Abdul Taib entrusted me, a recent college graduate, with the opportunity to contest as Bukit Mas MP, now known as Lawas and Limbang," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 21).

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Mutang also listed Abdul Taib's accomplishments, including spearheading the establishment of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak in Kota Samarahan, the establishment of the Bintulu Development Authority 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 added that Abdul Taib 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.

"On top of that he also established the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy in 2008, an economic region and development corridor covering central Sarawak.

"This helped lay 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," Mutang said.

He added several statutory bodies such as the Land Custody and Development Authority, Sarawak Forestry Corporation and Sacofa Sdn Bhd were led by Abdul Taib as well as the expansion of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation and Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority.