KUCHING: The late former Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud was an instrumental figure in the Sarawak’s timber industry.
Sarawak Timber Association (STA) chairman Datuk Henry Lau said when he (Taib) was the Chief Minister, he was one of the figures responsible in solidfying STA.
“The purpose of this association is to unify members of the timber industry, providing a platform for discussion and a collective voice to engage with the government on matters such as forestry operations and policies.
“He played a crucial role in its establishment, and without his contributions, I can confidently say that the STA as it exists today, along with this building and the extensive work accomplished over the past 20-plus years, would not have been possible,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after the launching of “A Tribute To Taib Mahmud” book in commemoration of the late Taib at STA building here, today.
Similarly, Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, who is Taib’s daughter, said he had always emphasised the importance of ensuring that development respects the environment.
“There must be a balance, and many of his ideas are crucial for the future of sustainable development, which we deeply appreciate for this commemoration.
“We also recognise that many people may not be aware of his contributions.
“He was quite humble and rarely spoke about his own achievements,” she said.
Hanifah also hoped that her late father’s contributions in the past would benefit Sarawakians and future generations to come.
Also present during the event were STA’s vice chairmen Datuk Seri Patrick Wong and James Ho; the son of the late Taib Mahmud, Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib; STA advisor and drector of Forest Department of Sarawak (FDS), Datuk Hamden Mohammad and STA chief executive officer Annie Ting.
