Flags at half-mast for Malaysia pioneer and BM education champion

Sarawak marks death of formation of Malaysia.

KUCHING: Flags were flown at half-mast in the state today to mark the death of former chief minister and Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub.

Condolence messages were sent by prime minister Najib Rahman, his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who remembered Rahman’s leading role in promoting Bahasa Malaysia in education, establishing University Kebangsaan Malaysia, and his promotion of Islamic missionary work in Sarawak.

Sarawak leaders hailed the late Rahman as a golden son.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said Rahman had been present at Sarawak’s historic moments, from the formation of Malaysia in 1963 to the formation of the first coalition state government in 1970 and the surrender of the communists in 1973.

“Whenever there was a historical and critical moment for Sarawak he was there at centre stage. We have lost a golden son of Sarawak and Malaysia and we will miss him,” Adenan said.

Rahman was Sarawak’s third chief minister from 1970 to 1981 and as governor from 1981 to 1985.

His nephew Abdul Taib Mahmud (now Tun and the current governor) succeeded him as chief minister after a falling-out between them in the mid-1980s. He said he was greatly saddened by his uncle’s passing. “He contributed so much to Malaysia and Sarawak. He was one of very few people left who were involved in the formation of Malaysia,” he said, wiping away tears.

State Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawakians had lost a great leader who served the nation at both state and Federal levels.

“In terms of education, he will be remembered for founding Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He also helped many Sarawakian students to pursue higher education,” he said.

– BERNAMA