Taib – ‘This Book Is Bad For My Business Reputation’ (OOOPS!)

Sarawak Report

The Governor of Sarawak, Taib Mahmud, has embarked on a high stakes and high risk strategy to ban the book that lifts the lid on timber corruption in Sarawak.

And today, in Tokyo, the Malaysian delegation to the International Tropical Timber Organisation’s (ITTO) annual conference moved to remove observer status from the NGO Bruno Manser Fund (BMF).

The BMF Director, Lukas Straumann, is the author of “Money Logging – On The Trail Of The Asian Timber Mafia”, which has also been barred from the conference.

NGO wants probe on Taib book

Joe Fernandez

GASAK believes that Sarawak Governor Abdul Taib Mahmud was trying to hide something from the public but stopped short of calling on him to step down and clear his name.

The Sarawak People’s Movement or Gerakan Anak Sarawak (GASAK) wants the authorities concerned to probe the contents of a recently released book, Money Logging: On the Trail of the Asian Timber Mafia, by Swiss author and human rights campaigner Lukas Straumann.

The author, who also heads the Swiss-based Bruno Manser Fund as Director, claims in his 300-page book that Sarawak Governor Abdul Taib Mahmud, his four children and his siblings have stakes in 333 companies in Malaysia and in another 418 spread around the globe.

Probe Taib on claims in book, urges NGO

Mkini

A Sarawak NGO has lodged several police reports against state governor Abdul Taib Mahmud after the release of a new book that made corruption allegations against him.

Gerakan Anak Sarawak (Gasak) said it had lodged 13 police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) reports against Taib, who was state chief minister for 23 years.

The book, entitled ‘Money Logging: On the Trail of the Asian Timber Mafia’, alleges Taib was involved in corrupt practices in the timber industry when he headed the state as chief minister and resource planning and management minister.

Group urges police, MACC to investigate Taib over book’s expose

TMI

Members of Sarawak-based Gasak at the Miri central police station today after lodging a report against former Sarawak CM, Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.

A Sarawak-based group today lodged two police reports against Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud for alleged corruption and abuse of power, based on a newly-launched book which reveals in detail the former chief minister’s alleged misdeeds.

The Sarawak People’s Movement (Gasak) also lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the allegations in “Money Logging: On the Trail of the Asian Timber Mafia”, against Taib, who is now the Sarawak governor, this morning.

Disgruntled employee Taib’s undoing

Robert Ng

Sarawak Governor Abdul Taib Mahmud’s secrets became public after Ross Boyert, CEO of Sakti International Corporation, filed a suit in Court.

Money Logging by Lukas Straumann, the Director of Bruno Manser Fund in Switzerland, appears to be another fiction hot from the mill, until you begin to realize that the characters mentioned are real people.

For over 12 years, Ross Boyert – “the man who held the key to Sarawak Governor Abdul Taib Mahmud’s secret real estate empire” – managed his family’s properties in northwest USA as CEO of Sakti International Corporation.

Taib’s son bought Ferrari for eight-year-old, divorce trial told

SYED JAYMAL ZAHIIDJUNE

Sarawak tycoon Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir told his divorce retrial today that he had bought a Ferrari Modena worth RM950,000 for his son when the boy was only eight, in a testimony meant to counter allegations of negligence by his ex-wife.

The son of Sarawak governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud said the used Ferrari was one of the assets provided to Shahnaz Abdul Majid and their son, Raden Murya Abdul Taib Mahmud, now 20, after they were separated in 1999.

Bekir in tears while testifying on divorce

Ahmad Fadli KC

Former Sarawak chief minister’s son Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib testified in the Syariah High Court in Kuala Lumpur today that he only filed for divorce against his former wife Shahnaz A Majid after 12 years because he did not want to see her living alone.

“I did not want to see her living alone and not have any husband when I did not return home (to Damansara),” he said in testifying over his former wife’s RM100 million mutaah (gift) claim from him.

Abu Bekir halted his testimony after saying this, as he found it hard to control his tears.

Low: Taib no royal, graft probe continues

Mkini

Former Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud did not gain immunity from corruption investigation when he was appointed governor of Sarawak, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Paul Low said today.

In a written reply to Parliament, Low said that Taib will also not be charged in the Special Court for any offence as the position he holds does not equate him to being the monarch of Sarawak.

“Even though the Yang di-Pertua Negeri performs the functions of a ruler in a state, he does not fall under the definition of a ruler under Clause (2) Article 181 (of the third and fifth schedules of the Federal Constitution).

Bekir: RM191mil for child maintenance is madness

Mkini

The Sarawak governor’s eldest son Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib today described the RM191 million child maintenance claim made by his former wife Shahnaz A Majid as “madness” and “unprecedented”.

“There is no sense and sensibility to all her claims in our divorce,” added Mahmud Abu Bekir in a statement released today.

Last week, when testifying at his former wife’s mutaah (gift) claim of RM100 million, Mahmud Abu Bekir told the Kuala Lumpur Syariah High Court that allegations of his wealth had been hugely exaggerated following forged documents Shahnaz allegedly obtained from a private Canadian investigator.

Filthy rich? I was framed, Taib’s son tells court

Ahmad Fadli KC

Sarawak Governor Abdul Taib Mahmud’s son Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib testified in court today that his wealth has been hugely exaggerated through documents forged by a Canadian private investigator.

Testifying in a divorce case, Mahmud Abu Bekir shot down allegations that he had billions of dollars worth of assets.

Abu Bekir was answering questions from lawyer Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar in the Kuala Lumpur Syariah High Court today.

Governor Taib’s shadow still looms large in Sarawak?

Francis Paul Siah

As a writer and a Sarawakian, I’m mindful to accord the utmost respect and reverence to the highest office of my home state and its holder — the office of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak and the current occupant in the Astana, Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Responsible journalism dictates that we give due respect to the dignified office of the Head of State and its holder who is and should be “above politics”. Editors and journalists are duty-bound to exercise utmost care and decorum when writing about the Head of State who, in most cases, perform largely ceremonial duties.

But here’s the tricky part – what if the Head of State or governor (as in the case in Sarawak) is allegedly still engaged in politics or is believed to be actively involved in political manouverings in the state?

What In The Devil’s Going On In Tasmania?

Sarawak Report

The Australian Government has just given a foreign-owned company yet another in a series of huge subsidies to cut down the Tasmanian forest.

Sarawak-based Ta Ann has received a $7.5million hand-out, making almost $45million in total over the past 7 years, even though the Malaysian company can’t seem to turn a profit on the business.

So, what is the next thing we see?

Well, the next thing we see is $136,000 dollars of the Ta Ann budget disappearing into a lump-sum purchase of home grown wine, produced by Ta Ann’s own local Chief Executive – one Evan Rolley, formerly of the Tasmanian Forestry Department!

Governor Taib to sink teeth into onshore oil and gas next?

Hazlan Zakaria

While officially retired from active politics in Sarawak, after having alleged to have sucked dry the riches from its lands and forests, state Governor Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, apparently has no plans to let go of the Borneo state’s natural resource jugular.

I know I named him as the Last King of Sarawak, but that was done more in relation to Idi Amin’s “Last King of Scotland” moniker than of any real royal intent but perhaps there is some regal right royal ‘bone’ in him, after all.

Some say that he still rules the state executive. This, by proxy of Tan Sri Adenan Satem, seen by many of his detractors to be a weak leader who will lean heavily on what Taib says.

Taib linked to money-laundering in Canada

FMT Staff

BMF said it unusual for a highly-reputed Canadian financial services provider to conduct multi-million-dollar transactions with “unusual” terms.

In the latest twist following the HSBC scandal, Canada’s largest insurance and finance provider Manulife Financial seems to have landed itself in a mess over its ‘unusual’ mortgage transactions with the Taib clan.

Manulife president and CEO Donald A. Guloien will on Thursday have to explain to company shareholders why it  provided six ‘unusual’ mortgages totalling Canadian $146 million (RM438 mil) to Sakto.

Balingian set to cement Taib’s Melanau legacy

Hazlan Zakaria

With the Balingian by-election set for March 29, PBB looks set to deploy a Melanau candidate for the state seat, a move observers see as a means to cement former chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s legacy.

The Melanau-majority seat located within the Mukah parliamentary constituency has long been a PBB stronghold held by the former strongman and should continue to serve as a bastion for the party.

It is seen to be a loaded seat, and whoever gets picked to stand on the BN/PBB ticket will certainly play an important role in shaping the political landscape of Sarawak in the future.

Taib: The last king of Borneo

Hazlan Zakaria

One must admit that newly minted Sarawak Governor Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has struck quite a romantic pose. He can be considered the last remaining symbol of Borneo sovereignty, amidst the crashing tide of federal arrogance from the peninsula.

Romance as in the hypnotic draw that surrounds him, not necessarily of the romantic love kind. Nevertheless the “dashing” Taib did dazzle a younger woman to agree to be his current wife.

And dashing too Taib seems to be — to many Sabahans and Sarawakians, even those politically opposed to him, who flock to his banner when he announced that rule over Sarawak is for locals and Umno should stay the hell out, in sentiment if not the same words.

Taib to be spared DAP attacks, but state to remain under scrutiny

Anna Chidambar

With the recent stepping down of Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud as Sarawak chief minister, opposition parties in the state are hopeful that it will weaken BN’s footing in Sarawak.

Whether it is mere wishful thinking or otherwise, they rationalise that “It cannot be denied that Taib’s political strategies and acumen are quite exceptional and a very hard act to follow.”

Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said: “As the governor, Taib can still advise Chief Minister (Tan Sri) Adenan Satem. However, when it comes to politics in Sarawak, money still plays a big part. Taib’s family has immense monetary clout to strengthen their political power.

Half a Billion Ringgit! The Turnover On Taib’s Latest Foreign Property Venture

Sarawak Report

Sarawak Report can reveal that the turnover on the Taib family’s latest foreign property venture in the UK has been over half a billion ringgit (100 million pounds sterling) so far and it is still rising.

The Ridgeford Properties development in Bolsover Street, Central London, which comprises several flats, has now sold most of the units in its current 2nd stage of development for a price totalling £98,145,182 (RM537,000,000), according to research by the Swiss NGO Bruno Manser Fund into the UK property register.

Some of the most expensive penthouse flats are yet to have been sold, meaning that the final sum will go well over the hundred million pounds mark.

Taib’s son escapes contempt charge

Ahmad Fadli KC 

Sarawak governor’s son Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib today escaped contempt of court proceedings brought by his former wife Shahnaz A Majid.

Syariah High Court judge Azzeman Omar delivered his verdict after hearing Bekir’s explanation.

This follows the court’s order for Bekir to pay more than RM900,000 as interim child maintenance for the couple’s only son.

“The court accepts the justification of the respondent and the committal application (for contempt of court) is rejected,” Justice Azzeman said.

Low: ‘People-sanctioned’ Taib is rightful governor

Lawrence Yong

Governance and Transparency Minister Paul Low said today that he saw no reason to stop Abdul Taib Mahmud from becoming state governor after 33 years as chief minister, despite allegations against him for corruption and abuse of power.

In the week before he resigned as Sarawak’s chief minister, two NGOs and a news weekly alleged that he had used his position to enrich his family. Taib has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Low also said that he sided with the GE13 voters, who found no fault with Taib.

Taib knew united Sabah, S’wak dangerous to Umno

Zainnal Ajamain

With one single bold announcement Taib Mahmud turned Malaysian politics on its head and broke the hidden agenda to “isolate” Sabah from Sarawak.

Taib Mahmud set the “benchmark”, to paraphrase Sabah’s Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, for his brave rejection of Umno from Sarawak and to uphold the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

Within days of his bold announcement at the PBB Supreme Council meeting last month, political players, observers and analysts knew a historic moment had occured in Borneo.

Wretched Umno, Mustapha and Taib

Zainnal Ajamain

Never in the history of Malaysia has a head of a state acknowledged that Umno is NOT as good as it advertises itself to be.

Taib Mahmud stepped down as the Chief Minister of Sarawak after holding the reign for 33 long years. He outlasted Mahathir Mohammad, as the Prime Minister of Malaysia, by more than a decade.

His length as CM speaks volumes of the politician who stayed in office longer than any other leaders in Malaysia and his insight into Umno’s character.

Taib’s family in 400 firms worth billions, says The Edge Weekly

Ho Wah Foon

Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who has just stepped down as Sarawak chief minister and become the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (state governor), had led the state imperiously for 33 years; and during these years, his family members have amassed billions of wealth.Ruling with a tight fist, Taib had allowed his immediate and extended families to control 400 companies in every sector in Malaysia and hold overseas assets worth more than RM800 million in four countries, according to the 8-page special cover story in The Edge Weekly.

Under the state constitution, the Chief Minister shall not hold any office of profit and shall not actively engage in any commercial enterprise, but according to the research findings of The Edge Weekly Taib might have broken this state law while he was ruling Sarawak.

‘Tahinah’ … “Tahi Nah” in Iban means “shit served.” ……. blunder mars congrats to Taib

Mkini

It was meant to be a congratulatory message to Abdul Taib Mahmud on being appointed Sarawak governor on March 1.

Unfortunately, a typo in the full-page advertisement in Sarawak daily Utusan Sarawak has put paid to that notion.

Instead of saying ‘Tahniah’ (congratulations), the advertisement had the word ‘Tahinah’ alongside a photo of Taib being sworn into his new post.

Is return of the prodigal son coincidental?

Winston Way

First public appearance of Taib’s son, Sulaiman, has spawned rumours of him standing in Balingian.

Prodigal son, Sulaiman ‘s unexpected presence on Friday to welcome his father Taib Mahmud’s return from Kuala Lumpur as Sarawak’s new Governor has fired up the rumour mill here.

Speculations are divided over whether his return is linked to Balingian or the Taib business empire.

Of the two sons – the other is Mahmud Bekir – Sulaiman was his father’s ‘chosen one’ until he went AWOL in 2010 following his mother’s death.

Taib: When the Devil wins

James Chai

There was a slight pause called by Najib between Taib Mahmud’s resignation as Chief Minister of Sarawak and his accession as the Governor (Yang di-Pertua Negeri) of Sarawak.

The delay gave us some hope. Would Najib take this opportunity to cut off the “untouchable” Taib Mahmud once and for all and take this benefiting political token, or will he concede (yet again)?

This was not much of a surprise. Najib never dared anyway.

“I’ve got things in proper sequence” – Taib

How Taib’s family could have hidden their wealth

The Edge

The family of Sarawak governor Abdul Taib Mahmud may have used a number of exempt private companies (EPCs) to hide their wealth from public scrutiny, according to the financial weekly The Edge Malaysia.

This is because EPCs are exempted from submitting its balance sheet when filing its annual returns to the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM).

Typically, according to the report, these EPCs linked to Taib’s family would invest in other companies, numbering at over 400 involving a wide range of industries.

“When the EPC receives dividends from its subsidiaries… the money trail disappears because EPCs are not required to file their financials.

Balingian by-election barometer to gauge PKR’s strength in next state election – Baru

The Borneo Post

The Balingian by-election will be an interesting barometer to gauge  PKR strength in the next state general election.

State PKR chief Baru Bian said the Balingian by-election will determine whether there was support for the change in guard (of the state Barisan Nasional leaders) and secondly it can gauge the change in the support of the people for the present government, especially in the context of the rising cost of living.

“The increase in the price of goods will be the main issue and we will be taking the issue to the ground and it will be very interesting,” he told reporters at a press conference after the party’s state liaison committee’s final meeting here yesterday.

Balingian: Who’s the secret Melanau graduate?

Alan Ting

Political observers believe that PBB will likely field a Melanau-Christian as part of the traditional arrangement inherited by the party from its predecessor Barjasa.

Following Taib Mahmud’s retirement from active politics, the predominantly Melanau based Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold of Balingian has become the focus of political pundits.

With the dust settled on who will be replacing Abdul Taib as the Chief Minister, all eyes are now on Balingian that could serve as the proving ground for the new chief minister and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Adenan Satem.

In Balingian by-election, Pakatan to gauge support for change of guards in Sarawak

DESMOND DAVIDSON

With the dismal performance in the 2011 state election still fresh in their minds, PKR Sarawak is realistic but hopeful when it comes to their chances in the soon-to-be-called by-election for Balingian, a coastal Malay-Melanau majority state seat.

“We admit and we concede we are the underdogs,” state PKR chief Baru Bian (pic) told a media conference after chairing the party’s state leadership meeting in Kuching, today.

“(The Balingian seat) is probably one of the toughest Barisan Nasional seats (to win).

‘Taib must answer for sins of corruption’

FMT

It is bewildering for the MACC to claim that there is no evidence of corruption and abuse of power by the former Sarawak CM, says C4 director Cynthia Gabriel.

Former Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud should be cleared of his sins of corruption by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) before being appointed as Sarawak’s Governor.

Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) director Cynthia Gabriel quoted several ‘sordid tales of corruption’ such as the Japan transport scandal in 2007 and the Gunung Munung Park scandal.

Taib Plans To Commission A Better Reputation

Sarawak Report

Taib has grabbed the Governorship, but now he is worrying about his reputation.

In his outgoing speech as Chief Minister he chose to focus on the international bad publicity over his destruction of the rainforest; his rolling out of oil palm plantations and his self-enrichment in the process.

Clearly, this matter has spoiled his promotion party and it is preoccupying his mind.

As usual, he blamed “malicious attacks” by NGOs and he called on Malaysia’s “envoys” to repair his reputation across the globe.

Then he came out with some claims that have produced gasps and astonished laughter.

A surprise presence and puzzling absence

Winston Way

Taib Mahmud’s triumphant return to Sarawak as the new governor was marked by his son, Sulaiman’s first public appearance in years, and the non-attendance by a former CM contender

Controversy-ridden Abdul Taib Mahmud arrived here last night as Sarawak’s new governor and was greeted by a 500-strong waiting crowd including family members, the state Cabinet and senior government officials.

Earlier yesterday, Taib received his instrument of appointment from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, at the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

Taib sworn in as Sarawak’s seventh governor

Bernama

After signing the instrument of appointment, Taib took his oath before chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak Richard Malanjum at the state legislative assembly

Abdul Taib Mahmud, who stepped down as chief minister of Sarawak after almost 33 years in office yesterday, was sworn in as the new Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak today, marking another historical milestone for the state.

The ceremony began at 11.00am with Adenan Satem, who succeeded him as the new chief minister, reading the instrument of appointment, which was presented to Taib by Yang Dipertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Taib sworn in as Sarawak governor in Kuching

Bernama

Abdul Taib Mahmud, who stepped down as Sarawak chief minister after almost 33 years in office yesterday, was sworn in as the new Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak today in Kuching.

The ceremony began at 11am with Adenan Satem, who succeeded him as the new chief minister, reading the instrument of appointment, which was presented to Taib by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

After signing the instrument of appointment, Taib took his oath of office before Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Richard Malanjum at the State Legislative Assembly building here in the presence of Adenan.

End of SUPP, a new era under Adenan

FMT Staff

Outgoing CM Taib Mahmud’s expressed view of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) will relieve CM Adenan Satem of having to make a decision.

If there was any possibility of a future for Sarawak’s oldest Chinese party, SUPP, it ended yesterday when its ‘patron’ Taib Mahmud stepped down Chief Mnister.

The state’s longest serving chief minister Taib’s parting words of wisdom to Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP) was to close-shop or alternatively re-unite under a new party.

Taib is new Sarawak Governor

Bernama

He succeeds Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng whose term of office ended yesterday.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, today presented Taib Mahmud with the instrument of appointment as the new Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak, at the Istana Negara here.

The ceremony took place at the Small Throne Hall and was witnessed by Prime Minister  Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister  Muhyiddin Yassin and the new Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem.

Ex-CM Taib is now Sarawak governor

Bernama

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah today presented Abdul Taib Mahmud with the instrument of appointment as the new Yang di-Pertua Negri of Sarawak at the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

The ceremony took place at the Small Throne Hall and was witnessed by Prime Minister Najib Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and the new Sarawak Chief Minister, Adenan Satem.

Abdul Taib – who stepped down as the Sarawak CM effective today after almost 33 years in office – takes office tomorrow as the seventh Yang di-Pertua Negri of Sarawak, succeeding Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng whose term of office ended today.

Protests held against ‘governor’ Taib

Dukau Papau

Several protests were held in Kuching this morning against Abdul Taib Mahmud becoming Sarawak’s governor.

They were a curtain raiser to a bigger rally to be staged tomorrow in front of the old court house in the state capital, which stands across the river where the swearing-in ceremony would be held.

Organised by civil society movements, the protests comprised small groups armed with banners and posters.

All eyes on Taib’s possible successor in PBB stronghold Balingian

Anna Chidambar

Will Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud exert his influence over the choice of the PBB candidate to contest the Balingian state seat he is expected to vacate tomorrow?

Academicians well versed in Sarawak’s political scene think so. They believe that the PBB candidate would likely be a blood relation or at least, favoured by the outgoing Sarawak chief minister in order to ensure continuation of his legacy.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) historian Dr Suffian Mansor said: “Balingian has been a BN-PBB stronghold for over 40 years and has never fallen into the hands of the opposition. When Taib took over the seat in 2001, his popularity vote was over 90%.”

Sarawak Speaker accepts Taib’s resignation

Winston Way

Incoming CM Adenan Satem will be deciding whether or not to have a by-election in Balingian constituency.

Chief Minister Taib Mahmud has resigned as assemblyman for Balingian.

This was confirmed today by  Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar during a press coneference.

Asfia said the letter was dated Feb 26 and is effective from tomorrow.

Najib urged to delay Taib’s appoinment

Taufik

New corruption questions have emerged over the role of Taib Mahmud and son in a waste disposal deal with German firm

The evidence is piling up against soon-to-be governor, Taib Mahmud.

In a last ditch attempt to thwart Taib’s ascent to the ‘throne’, UK-based Global Witness, which was responsible for an incriminating covert video on business dealings by the Taib family, has released documents of more corrupt practices.

Will defiant Taib ‘conform’ and kiss Agong’s hand?

Zainal Ajamain

The author says the act of Sabah and Sarawak Governors kissing the Agong’s hand is strictly taboo and the highest insult to the people of these states.

The Barisan Nasional-Umno government has been involved in mind control experiments since Malaysia was formed.

Aside from distorting history and imposing this version via schools, they are also using other less obvious ways such as  the “subliminal stimuli” technique.

The scientifcally proven technique  uses any sensory stimuli below individual threshold for conscious perception.

Did Taib hold Najib to ransom with Sarawak seats

Awang Abdillah

Sarawak with its 25 parliament seats helped BN get a simple majority in the last election and there are fears that Taib may withdraw the seats

Under the federal constitution the appointment of the Sarawak Yang DiPertua Negeri is vested in the Yang DiPertuan Agong.

As Prime Minister, the coveted post then is Najib Tun Razak’s trump card when dealing with the state government of Sarawak.

New graft allegations surface against Taib

Mkini

Fresh allegations of corruption against Abdul Taib Mahmud have surfaced, a day before he is slated to resign as chief minister of Sarawak.

The veteran politician, who has been hounded by a slew of allegations throughout his 33-year reign as chief minister, is expected to assume the post of Sarawak governor.

The latest allegations surround a company linked to his son Mahmud Abdul Bekir, that was purportedly used as a conduit to receive up to RM6.6 million in commissions for a waste disposal project involving a state government joint venture with a German firm.

‘After 33 years of Taib, S’wakians third poorest’

Aidila Razak

Sarawak PKR Youth have questioned how Sarawak is third on the list of states with the largest population of poor residents after 33 years of Abdul Taib Mahmud’s rule as chief minister.

Its representative Iswardy Morni said that this is despite having RM22 billion in the state reserves.

Citing Department of Statistics data, he said that although Sarawak is third behind Sabah and Kelantan, the absolute number of poor is much higher.

To Appoint Taib Is To Become Complicit In Corruption – Najib Should Delay

Sarawak Report

Taib has made clear that he expects to be appointed Governor tomorrow, with an audience scheduled to meet the Agong at the Istana Negara at 3pm.

He has informed people that he believes that this will elevate him to a similar status to the British Queen, dispensing advice and held in fond regard.

And, of course, he is making it clear he believes the position will offer him total immunity from any kind of prosecution over his 3 decades of kleptocracy in Sarawak.

Rights groups reveal documents alleging involvement of Taib, son in lucrative waste deal

ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH

Two international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) today revealed documents which showed the involvement of outgoing Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (pic) and his son in a lucrative waste disposal agreement signed 15 years ago with a German firm.

The revelation, coming just two days before Taib is expected to take over as the Sarawak governor, contains more incriminating evidence of Taib’s alleged corruption and abuse of power, said the NGOs, Global Witness and The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4).

They said the documents disclosed that as part of the deal signed in 1998 between Trienekens and the state government, Trienekens engaged a local company – Sarawak Capital – owned by Taib’s eldest son, Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib, to provide up to US$2 million (RM6.6 million) worth of “consultancy services”.

I would have retired in 2007, says Taib

Bernama

Outgoing Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (pic) today said he had planned to retire in 2007, but decided to hold back his decision due to two ‘S’ factors.

The two ‘S’ factors were a crisis faced by the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and the formulation of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), a new development corridor in Sarawak which required precision planning to ensure its success, he disclosed.

“I wanted to retire way back. I had planned to retire in 2007 and I had the consensus of the leadership of PBB that I should groom (Tan Sri) Adenan Satem as my successor.

Taib finally ends 33-year tenure as CM

Bernama 

Abdul Taib Mahmud today ended his 33-year tenure as chief minister of Sarawak at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching, the state’s administrative building, in a sombre mood.

Tomorrow, Taib will have an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Shah Mu’adzam at Istana Negara to receive his credentials to be Sarawak’s seventh yang di-pertua negeri.

In the brief but meaningful farewell, Taib and his wife, Ragad Kurdi Taib, who were accompanied by Sarawak deputy chief minister Alfred Jabu, minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Special Functions) Adenan Satem, who is also designated to be Sarawak’s fifth chief minister, and  state land development minister James Masing, were seen shaking hands with about 300 government staff at the building.