In loving memory

KUCHING: For Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, the loss of her mother was not just a moment of grief but a deeply personal journey that reshaped her understanding of love, resilience and purpose.

In a moving reflection, Hanifah shared how her family navigated the pain of losing someone so dear, describing it as a void that lingered long after the moment had passed.

Yet, within that sorrow, she found strength in continuing a meaningful legacy, a book project once initiated by her late parent alongside a close associate.

“It is never easy to continue something left behind by someone we love  but in doing so, we keep a part of them alive, their thoughts, their experiences and their voice,” she said when giving her speech at the launching ceremony of ‘Laila Taib : Her Journey of Love & Compassion’ and ‘The Tatars – Muslim in the Republic of Poland’ Exhibition at Pustaka Negeri here yesterday.

Hanifah, in between her speech, was seen wiping her tears. She was later joined by her siblings, Jamilah Hasidah Taib, and Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib, while Datuk Seri Sulaiman was absent as he had another appointment to attend to.

Hanifah admitted the process was emotionally challenging, especially in the early stages when grief felt overwhelming.

However, perseverance became a form of healing, allowing her and her family to honour the memory of their loved one in a meaningful way.

Through her experience, Hanifah emphasised that loss carried its own quiet lessons. It deepened empathy, strengthened bonds and reminded us of what truly mattered.

“When we go through loss, we begin to understand the pain of others more deeply. It teaches us to be kinder, to reach out and to support those who may be silently struggling,” she said.

She added that losing her mother gave her a new perspective on life, one that made her more aware of the emotional journeys others endured, especially those who felt alone in their grief.

It also strengthened her resolve to extend compassion, not just within her family, but to the wider community.

Hanifah concluded with a message of hope, that even in the face of loss, there was space for growth, healing and purpose.

She urged the public to cherish their loved ones, remain united and continue uplifting one another through both joy and hardship.

The moving tribute to the life of the late Datuk Patinggi Laila Taib, also saw the unveiling of a new biography capturing her remarkable journey from war-torn Europe to Sarawak.

Titled ‘Laila Taib – Her Journey of Love and Compassion’, the 272-page hardcover chronicles her early life in Poland, her Tatar heritage  and her eventual journey to Borneo, where she became a figure of strength, grace and quiet influence alongside Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Authored by Christina Thomas-Mamora, the book draws from exclusive access to private diaries, personal photographs and interviews, offering an intimate portrayal of Laila’s life and legacy.

The author described the work as a ‘dialogue’ between readers and Laila’s personal history, revealing the compassion and resilience that shaped her journey.

The publication was made possible with contributions from Hanifah, who provided key family insights to ensure historical accuracy.

The book, published by the Sarawak State Library, stands as an important documentation of history, preserving the story of a woman whose life bridged cultures and generations.

During the event, 24 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) benefitted from the Taib & Laila Heritage Charitable Trust, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to giving back and ensuring that those in need were never forgotten. Among the NGOs were PERKIM, SABATI, Sarawak Heart Foundation, PERYATIM and Lions Nursing Home.