Taib Mahmud sworn in as Sarawak governor for third term

Abdul Taib Mahmud took his oath of office as Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak for the third term in a ceremony at Dewan Lapau of the state assembly building today.

The ceremony began with Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg reading out the instrument of appointment of Taib as the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, after which Taib took his oath of office and signed the letter of appointment before Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim.

Also present were Taib’s wife, Raghad Kurdi Taib, Abang Johari’s wife Juma’ani Bujang, and several members of the state cabinet.

Taib received his instrument of appointment to continue his service for another two years from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He was appointed as Sarawak governor for the first time from March 1, 2014 until Feb 28, 2018 and for the second time from March 1, 2018 until Feb 28, 2022.

Taib was the fourth chief minister of Sarawak and held the post for 33 years from March 26, 1981, after succeeding his uncle Abdul Rahman Ya’kub.

The eldest of 10 siblings, he was born on May 21, 1936 to Mahmud Abang Yahya and Hamidah Ya’kub.

Taib served as a judge’s associate in the Supreme Court of South Australia after completing his law studies at the University of Adelaide, before returning to Sarawak.

He entered politics in 1963 when he joined the Sarawak Legislative Council where he served until 1966.