KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman extended his condolences to family members of the late Sarawak governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.
"He was a true statesman and a far-sighted leader who took Sarawak out of the backwaters and turned it into a progressive and economically vibrant state.
"This consequently spurred its socio economic development and elevated the people's standard of living," he said in a statement.
Musa added he had the opportunity to work closely with Taib during his tenure as chief minister.
"He was a very focused and experienced leader who not only developed Sarawak but succeeded in uniting the multiethnic and religiously diverse communities in the state.
"May Allah SWT grant his soul Jannat-ul-Firdaus."
In a separate statement, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said with Taib's death, Sarawak has lost a leader who contributed greatly to the people and development of the state.
"Heartfelt condolences to the family and may Allah show mercy on his soul."
Taib, 87, died at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur at 4.40am today.
His remains were taken to the National Mosque for the funeral rites before being brought back to Kuching for burial.