The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building was enveloped in an atmosphere of sadness as the remains of former Sarawak governor Abdul Taib Mahmud arrived here today.

The hearse carrying Taib’s remains arrived at the building at 7.50am.

His children Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib, Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib, and Hanifah Hajar Taib were present at the building.

The casket, carried by eight pallbearers from the armed forces, was placed on a special platform in the atrium to enable VIPs and the public to pay their last respects.

People from all walks of life began arriving at the building at 8am to pay their final respects to the former chief minister who had contributed significantly to the Land of the Hornbills.

Quran teachers from the Sarawak Islamic Council and the Kuching Qari Association recited verses from the Quran.

The public can pay their last respects between 8am and 11.30am.

The funeral prayer is scheduled to be held afterwards at the Demak Mosque near his residence followed by the state burial at the family cemetery in Demak Jaya.

Taib died at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur at 4.40am yesterday.

- Bernama

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