UPDATED KUCHING – Abdul Taib Mahmud has reportedly married a woman in her 30s from Lebanon.
The wedding ceremony took place last night.
The akad nikah was a private affair that started at about 8pm at the chief minister’s residence, Demak Jaya, in Petra Jaya here.
It was solemnised by Sarawak Mufti Kipli Yassin and attended by family members, relatives and close friends of the couple. Several members of the state Cabinet were also present.
Taib Mahmud (left, back towards camera) going through the ‘akad nikah’ ceremony solemnised by mufti Kipli (right) in Petra Jaya. Shown in inset is his young bride. - Photo by The Star
The town has been abuzz over the wedding of Malaysia’s longest-serving chief minister.
However, Taib, 74, and his state Cabinet colleagues remained tight-lipped about the union.
The public is awaiting an official announcement from family members although the media had gone to town with the story of his marriage.
“No one knew what was happening. Even the most senior officials in Taib’s department were not aware that he was planning to tie the knot.
“Obviously, this is a private matter for the Chief Minister and he wants to keep it that way,” said a source, quoted by The Star.
There are claims that the newlyweds are planning a grand wedding reception next month.
Apparently, on Friday, Taib visited the grave of his late Polish-born Australian wife Laila, who died of cancer in April last year. The couple were married for 50 years after they met while studying in Australia. They have four children and 15 grandchildren.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan gave credence to the marriage talk earlier yesterday when he told reporters in Miri: “There is a great possibility that the rumour is true.”
Dr Chan is also an in-law to Taib. Sulaiman, Taib’s son, is married to Dr Chan’s daughter Anisa.
Green, Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin Fah Kui said: “It is time for him to remarry. It is not good to be alone, especially a busy person like him. If this rumour is true I am very happy for him.
“It is good to have a woman’s support,’’ he added.
When contacted, the Chief Minister’s media department spokesman said: “Let the Chief Minister make an official announcement.”
Taib has been the Chief Minister of Sarawak since 1981. He assumed the post at the age of 45. blog comments powered by Disqus
