KUCHING: The conferment of Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SMN), which carries the title ‘Tun’, on Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is both fitting and timely, considering his unsurpassed contribution to the nation’s development.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the former chief minister deserves to be bestowed the nation’s highest accolade due to his vast contribution to the country’s progress, in particular Sarawak, for over 50 years.
Taib who is also former PBB president received the award from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara yesterday.
“This award fits the contribution and sacrifices Pehin Sri (Taib) has rendered to Malaysia and Sarawak since the 60s.
“As a citizen of Malaysia living in Sarawak, we are very happy with this award which Pehin Sri deservingly received.
“His contribution to Malaysia is unsurpassed.
“He has served all five prime ministers in various ministerial capacities either at state or federal,” commented the Assistant Minister for Youth Development.
PBB veteran Datuk Peter Minos echoed Abdul Karim’s sentiment, saying it was fitting considering what Taib had done for the state and country.
“The state had enjoyed steady economic progress and his brainchild, Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), will bring greater prosperity to the state. What he initiated had shaped Sarawak into what it is today.
“You can say that Tun (Taib) had laid the basic foundation for the state’s prosperity. Sarawak and Malaysia in particular have much to thank Tun.
He has spent much of his life focusing on state and country’s development,” he said.
Minos recalled how the 1980s was a tough time for Taib when he assumed the post of chief minister but that the latter had managed to get through all the challenges to deliver to the people.
He said there were many basic things that needed to be done, including sourcing for funds, manpower and all of Taib’s planning, vision and strategies had come to fruition.
He also said the state then was desperately in need of basic infrastructure such as roads, public utilities including ports, airports and schools besides lacking industrial development and job creation to aid its economic progress.
Taib was sworn in as the state’s seventh Yang di-Pertua Negeri on March 1 after stepping down as the chief minister on Feb 28.
He succeeded Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng.
Taib had been chief minister for 33 years from March 26, 1981, when he succeeded his uncle Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub.