Dr Jerip (centre) together with (from second left) Ali and Rubiah and other guests performs the traditional ‘Yee Sang’ ceremony at the event.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Outgoing Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud should be acknowledged as the ‘Father of Modernisation and Development of Sarawak’.
In making this suggestion, Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohammad Ali Mahmud, who is also Taib’s younger brother, said it is to honour and remember Taib’s hard work and contribution to the state during his tenure as chief minister.
He was speaking at the Chinese New Year dinner organised by the Jalan Muara Tuang Community Association on Sunday night.
“Taib has repeatedly expressed his intention to resign on several occasions but changed his mind after considering the requests made by the people who still believe in his leadership,” said Ali.
Ali added that during his 52 years service as an assemblyman and minister before becoming chief minister, Taib had contributed a lot to the people of Sarawak particularly in developing the state towards modernisation.
He also said Taib’s intention to step down after 33 years as the chief minister must be respected and despite withdrawing from politics, Taib is still very much close to the people.
On the appointment of Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem as the new chief minister, Ali said Adenan is the right candidate as he has the experience to lead the state.
“Adenan is not somebody new in state politics and his selection by Taib is based on his merits and mileage in politics,” said Ali, who expressed confidence that Adenan would be able to bring Sarawak to greater heights.
At the same event, Ali announced a contribution of RM10,000 to the association, while Public Health Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang donated RM10,000 and RM5,000 respectively.