KUALA LUMPUR: The late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud was a passionate and revered statesman who had helped to accelerate development and industrial growth in Sarawak, Dewan Negara president Datuk Mutang Tagal said.
The former Bukit Mas member of parliament said Taib made significant contributions to the development and progress of Sarawak, leaving an indelible mark on the state's history and the lives of its people.
In a statement today, Mutang also recalled his experience working with the fourth Sarawak chief minister.
"Personally, I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, whose support launched my political journey when he assumed office as the Sarawak chief minister in 1981.
"At the youthful age of 27, (Taib) entrusted me, a recent college graduate, with the opportunity to contest as MP for Bukit Mas, now known as Lawas and Limbang.
"His confidence in me was accompanied by unwavering guidance, support, and immense assistance, enabling me to diligently serve my constituents until 1990.
"He embodied a paternal presence for us young politicians of that era, always approachable and supportive in matters concerning constituents, political affairs, and personal concerns."
Mutang also listed some of Taib's numerous accomplishments throughout his illustrious career in the Sarawak political landscape and the development of the state.
"A passionate statesman in education, he spearheaded the establishment of educational institutions such as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) in Kota Samarahan, ushering in an era of educational advancement and expanding opportunities for education and employment for the people of Sarawak.
"He was also instrumental in empowering rural development by identifying catalyst areas for infrastructure and basic amenities.
"He also 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," he said.
It was reported that Taib died at the Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur hospital (CVSKL) here early today. He was 87.