KUCHING: Former Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud was laid to rest at the Demak Jaya Cemetery here at 1.50pm today.
It was drizzling as the funeral got under way. The Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, his son Pengiran Muda Abdul Mateen Bolkiah and Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar were among those attending the burial.
Also present during the state funeral were Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg and his three deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
About 1,000 people comprising Taib's family members, dignitaries, government officers and members of the public attended the funeral.
Members of the public earlier paid their last respects to Taib when his casket was laid in state at the Sarawak State Assembly Complex here at 7.50am today.
At 11.30am, his remains were transported to the Demak Jaya Mosque where Sarawak Grand Imam Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi led congregation for the 'solat jenazah' after Zohor prayers.
Taib was buried next to his late wife Puan Sri Laila Taib at the Demak Jaya Cemetery, which is located next to the mosque.
He died at 4.40am yesterday after 10 days being treated at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur. He was 87.
He had been flown to Kuala Lumpur on Feb 10 to receive further treatment after he was discharged from the intensive care unit of the Normal Specialist Medical Centre in Petra Jaya here at midnight on Feb 4.
Taib had previously served as Sarawak Chief Minister for 32 years.
