Taib (third right) holds the PBB headquarters replica while (from right) Juma’ani, Raghad, Abang Johari, Jabu, Empiang, Jamilah and Awang Tengah look on.
KUCHING: Three former state leaders were remembered and honoured at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) ‘Jasamu Dikenang’ special assembly here yesterday.
The trio – Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, former Chief Minister the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu – were recognised for their outstanding lifetime contributions to PBB and Sarawak.
All three have undeniably laid a strong foundation for PBB to lead and unite the multi-racial society of Sarawak as well as ensuring a harmonious environment for all to live in.
In recognition of their sacrifices and outstanding contributions, PBB, the backbone party of the state Barisan Nasional, presented a replica of PBB headquarters to Taib, Jabu and the family of Adenan.
The replica weighing about 45kg is made of crystal. The yellow PBB logo is made of pure gold.
Prior to the presentation ceremony, video shows on the three leaders were played before the delegates, followed by the launching of the ‘Jasamu Dikenang’ book.
A short biography on each of them was also presented by selected PBB veterans.
Former PBB Women chief Datuk Paduka Sharifah Mordiah Tuanku Fauzi was given the honour to speak on Adenan’s biography while former PBB secretary-general Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Juggah presented Jabu’s biography.
Former PBB deputy secretary-general Tan Sri Abang Ahmad Urai Abang Mohideen was given the honour to speak on Taib’s biography.
For the record, Taib has made extraordinary achievements throughout his lifetime including the strengthening of PBB.
Also, Samarahan his brain child, has now become a prosperous area known as the City of Knowledge.
He also came up with Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) to spur the state’s economic growth.
Adenan, meanwhile, did so much for Sarawak in such a short period of time, starting with mitigating the cost of living of Sarawakians by abolishing tolls and lowering electricity tariff.
Later, he laid out an inclusive, people-centric policy that has won the people over, leading to a landslide victory in the last state election.
Jabu, with passion for the rural people, has pulled them together to go in the same direction.
He has gone to the remotest areas and brought development there while focusing on the importance of education as the key to change.
These leaders, according to Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, had paved the way and set a strong foundation for Sarawakians and leaders to continue the struggle to build a better Sarawak.
Some 5,500 grassroots leaders and delegates from 82 branches throughout Sarawak attended the assembly.
PBB acting deputy president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, secretary general Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, Tanjong Datu assemblywoman Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, Taib’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib, Chief Minister’s wife Datin Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang and Jabu’s wife Sri Dato Sri Empiang were also present.