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Abdul Taib Mahmud

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Abdul Taib Mahmud
Born (1936-05-21) 21 May 1936 (age 90)
Kampung Sungei Merbau, Miri, Sarawak
Died21 February 2024(2024-02-21) (aged 87)
OccupationPolitician
Years active1963–2024
Known forSeventh Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak (2014–2024); Fourth Chief Minister of Sarawak (1981–2014)

Abdul Taib bin Mahmud (; 21 May 1936 – 21 February 2024) was a prominent Malaysian political figure who held the position of the seventh Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak from 2014 until 2024, and previously served as the fourth Chief Minister of Sarawak from 1981 to 2014. He earned recognition as the Father of Modern Sarawak (Bapa Pemodenan Sarawak).

Originating from a distinguished Melanau-Malay lineage, Taib completed his law studies at the University of Adelaide in 1960. During his time there, he met Laila (née Lejla Chaleck), a Polish woman of Lipka Tatar heritage who embraced Islam. The couple married in 1959 and had four children, among them Sulaiman and Hanifah. Upon returning to Sarawak, Taib began his career as a prosecutor at the Crown Council Law Office before venturing into politics in 1963 as Minister of Communications and Public Works under Chief Minister Stephen Kalong Ningkan. In 1964, he was appointed vice chairman of Barisan Rakyat Jati Sarawak (BERJASA) and later became state Minister of Development and Forestry in 1967.

Taib transitioned to federal politics in 1970 after securing the parliamentary seat for Kota Samarahan, serving under Prime Ministers Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj, Abdul Razak Hussein, Hussein Onn, and Mahathir Mohamad in various ministerial capacities until 1981.

In that year, he returned to Sarawak to assume the role of Chief Minister, succeeding his uncle Abdul Rahman Ya'kub. His leadership was characterized by accusations concerning corruption related to Sarawak’s natural resources, yet he is also credited with slashing poverty rates from approximately 70% to single digits. Among Chinese communities, he was affectionately known as Pak Uban ("White-haired Uncle") and Pek Moh. Additionally, he earned the moniker 'last white rajah,' alluding to the Brooke family's former governance over Sarawak.

After nearly forty years in Parliament, Taib retired as an MP in 2008, ranking as Malaysia’s second longest-serving parliamentarian. His wife Laila succumbed to heart cancer in 2011. In 2010, he remarried Syrian-born Raghad Waleed Alkurdi. Following an unprecedented tenure exceeding three decades—the longest for any Malaysian state leader—he stepped down as Chief Minister in 2014, with Adenan Satem succeeding him. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed as the seventh Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, a position he held until his passing soon after leaving office.

Early life and education

Taib Mahmud entered the world on 21 May 1936 in Kampung Sungei Merbau, located in Miri, Sarawak. He was the firstborn among ten siblings. His father, Mahmud bin Haji Abang Yahya, hailed from a lineage that included Pehin Datu Yahya Setia Raja, a noble associated with the Brunei Royal Court. Despite this aristocratic heritage, his father worked as a carpenter for Shell Oil Company, resulting in modest family financial circumstances. Taib’s upbringing was significantly influenced by his uncle, Abdul Rahman Ya'kub, who played a pivotal role both in his early life and subsequent political trajectory.

During the Second World War, Taib’s family moved to their ancestral home in Mukah to avoid conflict before returning to Miri once hostilities ceased. His education began at Andi Malay School and St Joseph's Primary School in Miri. Later, supported by a scholarship from Shell and encouragement from his uncle, he attended St. Joseph's Secondary School in Kuching. There, he forged connections with future Sarawakian leaders such as George Chan Hong Nam and Bujang bin Mohammed Nor.

Although initially aiming for a medical career, Taib was convinced by Abdul Rahman to study law instead. In 1958, he secured a Colombo Plan scholarship and pursued legal studies at the University of Adelaide, completing his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1960. Following graduation, he worked as an associate to Justice Sir Herbert Mayo at the Supreme Court of South Australia. After his father’s passing, Taib took on the responsibility of supporting his siblings and managing the household. In 1964, he further enhanced his education by attending the Harvard International Summer Course.

Taib embarked on his political journey in 1963 with a pledge to serve Parti Bumiputera for a term of five years.

Early political career

Upon returning to Sarawak, Taib joined the Crown Council between 1962 and 1963 before contributing to the establishment of Barisan Ra'ayat Jati Sarawak (BARJASA), where he was appointed vice-chairman in 1963. In that year’s local elections, BARJASA managed to win only 44 out of 429 seats; meanwhile, the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) emerged dominant with Stephen Kalong Ningkan becoming chief minister. Taib became a member of the Council Negri of Sarawak on 22 July 1963 and served as state minister for Communication and Works from 1963 to 1966 without having contested an election. Initially reluctant to accept a ministerial position due to limited experience, he eventually assumed the role owing to his qualifications and the state's pressing needs.

1966 Sarawak constitutional crisis

Although holding a ministerial post, Taib grew discontented with BARJASA’s sidelining in cabinet decisions under Ningkan’s administration. The situation intensified in 1965 over legislation concerning Chinese land acquisitions. BARJASA formed an alliance with Parti Negara Sarawak (PANAS) and Parti Pesaka Sarawak (PESAKA) to oppose Ningkan’s leadership. Both Taib and Awang Hipni faced expulsion from the cabinet but were reinstated in June 1966 as part of efforts to resolve coalition tensions. This dispute escalated into a constitutional crisis culminating in Ningkan’s removal as chief minister later that year.

Appointment to minister in federal cabinet

Following Tawi Sli’s appointment as Sarawak chief minister, Taib served as Minister of Development and Forestry beginning in 1967 and occasionally fulfilled duties as acting Chief Minister. After disagreements with Tawi Sli arose, Taib redirected his focus toward federal politics. He became Federal Assistant Minister for Commerce and Industry from 1968 to 1970. Representing Parti Bumiputera Sarawak within the Sarawak Alliance coalition, he secured the Kota Samarahan parliamentary seat in the 1970 election. Over time, he held various federal positions including Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (1970–1972), Minister of Natural Resources (1972–1974), and Federal Territory Minister (1980). In 1973, Taib was elected deputy president and subsequently president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB). His political development was closely guided by mentor Abdul Rahman Ya'kub. Maintaining a strong rapport with Mahathir Mohamad throughout his career, Taib resigned from his federal cabinet posts on 9 March 1981 to reengage with politics in Sarawak.

Chief Minister (1981–2014)

In order to facilitate Taib's entry into the Sarawak state assembly, a PBB assemblywoman stepped down from the Sebandi seat (currently known as Asajaya), triggering a by-election in March 1981 that Taib won without opposition. Subsequently, he was appointed as Sarawak's Minister of Land and Mines. On 26 March 1981, Taib’s uncle, Abdul Rahman, who was serving as chief minister at the time, retired by relinquishing both his Paloh constituency and the presidency of PBB. Although the federal government initially preferred Sulaiman Daud for the chief minister role due to Taib’s 13-year absence from Sarawak politics, Abdul Rahman successfully convinced them to appoint Taib instead. Taib maintained his uncle’s cabinet structure with the exception of Celestine Ujang, who was appointed state assembly speaker; meanwhile, Daud assumed Taib’s former federal ministerial position.

Taib represented Sebandi until 1987 before switching to Asajaya, and in the 2001 state election he contested the Balingian seat. Beyond legislative duties, he participated in numerous public and voluntary organizations and served as Sarawak’s representative on international platforms.

1987 Ming Court Affair

Dissatisfaction with Taib’s leadership surfaced among some PBB members who accused him of prioritizing Chinese interests and those of the Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) over Bumiputera concerns. The Dayak-based Sarawak Dayak People's Party (PBDS) expressed frustration over their 17-year exclusion from the chief ministership, further exacerbated by Taib’s distrust of PBDS leader Leo Moggie. Research by David Walter Brown reveals that tensions between Taib and his uncle Abdul Rahman Ya'kub intensified after Rahman’s resignation. In 1985, Taib removed Rahman from his gubernatorial post, prompting Rahman to retaliate with political attacks in 1987 known as the Ming Court Affair.

Abdul Rahman rallied dissatisfied politicians from the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) and PBDS at Kuala Lumpur’s Ming Court Hotel to endorse motions of no confidence against Taib. Prominent participants included former deputy chief minister Daniel Tajem and Leo Moggie. In response, Taib called an early state election in 1987, narrowly securing victory as his coalition won 28 out of 48 seats and attracted eight defectors from PBDS, which saw its representation decline from 15 to 7 seats. PBDS remained in opposition until it rejoined Sarawak BN in 1994. This internal strife within SNAP and PBDS ultimately reinforced Taib's political control in subsequent years.

Development policy

Eco-tourism became a significant component of Sarawak's economy during Taib Mahmud's tenure, with support from the Malaysian Government. Accessibility to Sarawak's World Heritage sites improved through infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway. Development efforts concentrated on manufacturing, industry, and tourism sectors while promoting initiatives aimed at attracting high-technology industries to stimulate economic expansion and employment opportunities. By 1995, Sarawak's GDP growth had surpassed the national average. To promote balanced urban-rural progress, Taib advocated for comprehensive town planning, sustainable natural resource management, large-scale plantation development, and advancement of native customary rights (NCR) lands. Nonetheless, concerns have been raised regarding exploitation of NCR territories for logging, mining, and plantation activities. Sarawak pioneered e-government services within Malaysia by establishing the country's first e-library through the Sarawak State Library. The introduction of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) in 2008 sought to further diversify Sarawak’s economic base.

Between 1981 and 1999, Sarawak’s Gross Domestic Product expanded from RM 6.5 billion to an estimated RM 29.9 billion. Poverty rates saw substantial declines: in 1995, 31.9% of residents lived below the poverty line with 10% classified as hard-core poor; by 1997 these figures decreased to 7.5% and 0.7%, respectively. Access to clean water improved significantly from 31.8% coverage in 1980 to 85% by 1995.

Despite these improvements, disparities between urban and rural poverty levels remain evident according to independent researchers and non-governmental organizations, presenting ongoing challenges for Taib’s administration.

Taib effectively promoted collaboration among political figures across party lines to reach consensus on developmental objectives. He regarded his most notable achievements as fostering economic growth, social cohesion, and industrialisation throughout Sarawak.

Environmental policy

During Taib's tenure, environmental programs included the Heart 2 Heart orangutan initiative, designed to engage the public in conservation efforts. There were also adoption schemes for orangutans and turtles, alongside protection measures targeting endangered species such as the dugong and Irrawaddy dolphin. The Reef Ball project sought to restore Sarawak’s marine environment through the installation of artificial reef structures that foster new aquatic habitats.

In 1992, with funding from the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), the Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary was established. This reserve, now home to approximately 4,000 orangutans, also aims to enhance rural community livelihoods and reduce their reliance on forest resources.

2030 vision for Sarawak

During celebrations marking his 28 years in office, Taib presented a plan for Sarawak to emerge as Malaysia’s wealthiest state by 2030. This vision focuses on cultivating high-skilled employment opportunities and shifting the economic base from resource extraction industries toward a service-driven economy supported by newly established higher education institutions.

Sarawak Cabinet reshuffle

On 8 November 2009, Taib declared a cabinet reshuffle that introduced six new assistant ministers along with portfolio adjustments. Five of these appointees took their oaths before the state governor on 21 November; the sixth was sworn in subsequently. The revised cabinet officially commenced duties on 1 December 2009.

Taib continued to oversee Finance, Planning, and Resource Management portfolios, intending to align Sarawak’s development strategies with the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) and reforms following recent elections. With the impending launch of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), he planned to restructure Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) within one to two years.

Another cabinet reshuffle occurred on 28 September 2011, introducing Senior Minister roles, renaming various ministries, and establishing new departments dedicated to welfare, women, and family development.

2011 state election and aftermath

Despite vigorous opposition challenges from the Pakatan Rakyat coalition, Taib led PBB to a comprehensive victory in the 2011 Sarawak state election, securing his eighth consecutive term as chief minister. Nevertheless, Barisan Nasional (BN) experienced its poorest showing in Sarawak, with coalition partner Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) losing considerable support amid Taib’s waning popularity within the Chinese community. Following the election, BN’s national leaders urged Taib to consider stepping down to safeguard BN’s performance in upcoming general elections; however, he remained noncommittal regarding retirement.

Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak (2014–2024)

After stepping down as chief minister, Taib Mahmud was appointed as Sarawak’s seventh Governor on 1 March 2014. He was conferred the honorific title Tun on 26 May 2014. His governorship was renewed twice—on 28 February 2018 and again on 28 February 2022. His term concluded prematurely on 26 January 2024, with Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar succeeding him that same day.

Controversies

Throughout his leadership as chief minister, Taib Mahmud faced allegations related to environmental degradation in Sarawak. Swiss environmental activist Bruno Manser held him "personally accountable" for damage to the rainforest.

In 2011, leaked US embassy cables exposed Taib’s reliance on a patronage network that rewarded "compliant local leaders" while suppressing opposition voices. It was widely believed that he and his family profited from commissions tied to major commercial contracts, including those in logging. Taib maintained stringent oversight of the timber industry by granting concessions that enriched himself and his relatives, accelerating logging activities across Sarawak. Companies associated with his family—such as Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB), Naim Holdings Berhad, Sarawak Energy, Ta Ann, and Titanium Management Sdn Bhd—secured numerous state contracts, concessions, and land agreements.

Taib denied soliciting favors for his sons' roles within CMSB and other enterprises, insisting his family amassed wealth through diligent effort. A cabinet minister stated that contract awards were based transparently on companies’ performance histories rather than political ties.

In 2007, Taib initiated legal action against Malaysiakini over reports alleging kickbacks involving Japanese firms connected to his family; subsequently, tax authorities cleared these payments as legitimate transactions and Malaysiakini issued an apology. The lawsuit was dropped in 2012 following an out-of-court agreement.

By 2014, investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) found no proof that Taib misused political power for corrupt purposes since approvals for land allocations and logging concessions were granted by senior ministers or collectively by the Sarawak cabinet. According to Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, charges cannot be filed absent personal involvement in awarding contracts. In 2019, law minister Liew Vui Keong acknowledged there was no new evidence warranting a reopening of inquiries.

The University of Adelaide removed Taib's name from a plaza following accusations linking him to illegal deforestation during his administration.

Family

Taib entered into marriage with Laila Taib, an 18-year-old Polish Muslim of Lipka Tatar descent, at the Adelaide mosque on 13 January 1959. Laila succumbed to cancer on 29 April 2009 and was laid to rest in Kuching. Taib's mother, Hajah Hamidah Yakub, died at the age of 90 in 2006 while he was receiving surgery in Singapore. His son, Sulaiman Abdul Rahman, wed Anisa, the daughter of Sarawak’s Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam. Taib’s daughter, Jamilah Taib Murray, along with her husband Sean Murray, are actively involved in Sakto’s property development ventures based in Ottawa, Canada. In 2009, Taib’s granddaughter Celestia Lulua Mahmud Abu Bekir tragically passed away following an accident at a swimming pool.

On 18 December 2010, at the age of 74, Taib remarried Ragad Waleed Alkurdi, a Syrian-born widow in her early thirties; this intimate ceremony was attended by family members and roughly 200 guests. The couple subsequently held a wedding reception in January 2011 at the New Sarawak State Legislative Building Complex.

In 2016, the National Registration Department attracted criticism for fast-tracking Ragad’s Malaysian citizenship approval within six years—a process that normally requires decades for permanent residents and indigenous Sarawakians. Two years later, in 2018, Ragad and her two children from a prior marriage were granted native Bumiputera status as Melanaus in Sarawak, which ignited public debate.

In November 2023, Taib became a defendant in a lawsuit filed by his sons against Ragad regarding the transfer of CMSB shares to her.

Wealth

Taib possessed a residence in Demak Jaya that overlooked the Sarawak River. Images from Naim Cendera Holdings Bhd’s 2006 newsletter depict his living room adorned with European-style sofas featuring gilt edging. He was recognized for wearing a distinctive ring showcasing a large red gemstone encircled by diamonds. Majority ownership of Sitehost Pty. Ltd., Australia—which holds the Adelaide Hilton Hotel—belongs to his late wife Laila and their children. Known for his "flamboyant and costly tastes," Taib was an enthusiastic collector of Southeast Asian betel nut artifacts.

Jamilah and other family members have built substantial real estate portfolios across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. While Taib admitted to his daughter’s overseas property holdings, he denied having personal business interests linked to these assets.

According to the Bruno Manser Fonds, Taib and his immediate family own shares in over 330 Malaysian companies and more than 400 companies worldwide, collectively valued at several billion US dollars. Their net worth was estimated at a minimum of 15 billion US dollars as of 2012. Investigations into Taib’s fortune have been launched in countries including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany.

Hobbies and interests

During his initial academic years in Australia, Taib favored wearing designer suits and hats while smoking pipes rather than donning traditional Malay attire such as baju melayu and songkok. Over time, he embraced a more conventional appearance to better resonate with his community. He maintained a deep appreciation for Malay literature and pantun (Malay poetic form), and was an ardent admirer of P. Ramlee—a celebrated Malaysian singer, actor, and director. Occasionally performing P. Ramlee’s songs at official functions, he also served as a patron for the P. Ramlee singing competition held in Kuching, Sarawak. Additionally, Taib played an instrumental role in supporting Bangsawan, the traditional Malay opera genre. He authored multiple Islamic works including "Muhammad and His Mission, Islam and Utility of Mankind," "Freedom of Thought of Islam," and "Appropriate Strategy for Developing Countries in a Period of Resource Scarcity."

Health issues and passing

In 2023, Taib underwent surgical intervention in Istanbul to address complications related to colon cancer. Early in 2024, reports emerged accusing his spouse Ragad of forcibly removing him from the ICU in Kuching; however, both she and law enforcement refuted these claims, clarifying that his discharge was arranged in consultation with medical professionals for transfer to Cardiac Vascular Sentral in Kuala Lumpur. Contrary to circulating rumors, Taib continued to receive medical attention at his Kuching residence before relocating to Kuala Lumpur for ongoing treatment. On 20 February 2024, social media circulated claims that his health had deteriorated, which Ragad publicly denied as inaccurate.

Taib passed away on 21 February 2024 at the age of 87. In response, the Sarawak state government announced a two-day mourning period and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast. Following his demise, a sequence of formal ceremonies was held throughout Peninsular Malaysia: Masjid Negara hosted a prayer gathering attended by crown princes and state governors; a memorial event at RMAF Subang Air Base featured prominent figures including Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Sarawak Governor Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof. Subsequently, Taib’s remains were transported to Kuching for additional rites at his home and the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Complex, where Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei also paid tribute. A concluding prayer ceremony took place at Masjid Demak near his residence before he was interred in the family cemetery at Demak Jaya alongside his first wife Laila.

Election outcomes

Malaysian Parliament
Year Constituency Candidate Votes Percentage Opponent(s) Votes Percentage Ballots cast Majority Voter turnout
1969 P124 Samarahan rowspan=2 Template:Party shading/Alliance Party (Malaysia) | rowspan=2|Abdul Taib Mahmud (BUMIPUTERA) 5,842 55.47% Wazir Mohamed Khan (SUPP) 2,852 27.08% 11,056 2,990 86.24%
bgcolor=Template:Sarawak National Party/meta/shading | Abang Anwar Abang Junaidi (SNAP) 1,837 17.44%
1974 P134 Samarahan Template:Party shading/Barisan Nasional | Abdul Taib Mahmud (PBB) 72.52% bgcolor=Template:Sarawak National Party/meta/shading | Wazir Mohamed Khan (SNAP) 27.48%
1978 Template:Party shading/Barisan Nasional | Abdul Taib Mahmud (PBB) 6,522 74.08% Razali Sapang (PAJAR) 2,282 25.92% 4,240
1982 Template:Party shading/Barisan Nasional | Abdul Taib Mahmud (PBB) Unopposed
1986 'P157 Samarahan' Template:Party shading/Barisan Nasional | Abdul Taib Mahmud (PBB) 9,814 77.88% Template:Party shading/Independent | Wan Mohd Zain Mohdzar (Independent politicians) 2,788 22.12% 12,778 7,026 76.88%
1990 'P159 Kota Samarahan' Template:Party shading/Barisan Nasional | Abdul Taib Mahmud ('PBB') 14,353 87.39% Tahir Sham (Sarawak Malaysian People's Association) 2,072 12.61% 16,853 12,281 71.41%
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Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout
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Sarawak State Legislative Assembly

Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout

Summary

From 1969 through 2006, Abdul Taib Mahmud maintained commanding victories in both federal and state elections within Sarawak constituencies, representing the Barisan Nasional coalition and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB). His frequent uncontested races and substantial vote shares underscore his enduring political dominance in these areas, highlighting his pivotal leadership influence across Sarawak’s political and economic spheres.

Honours

Awards and recognitions

In April 2010, he was conferred an honorary doctorate in Leadership by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, honoring him as both the "Architect of Modern Sarawak" and "Father of Modern Sarawak."

Taib received a "Lifetime Achievement" accolade from Asia HRD Congress in July 2010, acknowledging his contributions to human capital development in Sarawak, particularly through founding University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).

In December 2001, he was named an Honorary Officer within the Order of Australia for his efforts enhancing Australia-Malaysia bilateral relations.

He also holds several honorary academic distinctions: a Doctor of Science from University of Putra Malaysia awarded in 1992, a Doctor of the University from University of Adelaide granted in 1994, and a Doctor of Technology from Curtin University of Technology received in 2000. Furthermore, he was designated an Honorary Fellow by the Islamic Academy of Sciences in 1998.

Locations named in honor of Abdul Taib Mahmud

Several sites have been designated with his name, such as:

  • Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pesantren Abdul Taib Mahmud, a secondary educational institution located in Asajaya, within the Samarahan
  • Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, a versatile hall at the University of Technology Sarawak situated in Sibu
  • Jambatan Tun Taib Mahmud, a bridge that links the Jepak area to the central district of Bintulu in Sarawak, Malaysia

External links

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