KUCHING: Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, the former Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri, is caught in a dispute as his family claims to be unaware of his whereabouts while his wife denies allegations of “abducting” him.
His brother, Datuk Mohammad Tufail Mahmud, has filed a police report stating that Taib was removed from a private hospital against medical advice and without family approval. He expressed grave concerns about Taib’s health and safety.
The report was filed at 11pm on Sunday, following another report made by a doctor at 1.48am on the same day. According to the viral report, Taib was taken from the hospital by his wife close to midnight on Saturday against medical advice.
Taib’s wife, Raghad Kurdi Taib, has refuted this claim on Instagram and posted what she said was a note from a nurse, although it was illegible. Sarawak police commissioner Comm Datuk Mancha Ata confirmed that the police are investigating the matter.
He stated that the case is being investigated under Section 336 of the Penal Code, which covers rash or negligent actions endangering human life or personal safety. Taib, 87, served three terms as Sarawak Governor from March 1, 2014, until Jan 26 this year, when Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar succeeded him.
Taib was previously Sarawak’s longest-serving chief minister from 1981 to 2014. Comm Mancha also warned the public against speculating or spreading false information, stating that those who spread fake news could face action for defamation.
He urged the public not to share false information on the matter to avoid legal action. The authorities are currently looking into the details of the case and will take necessary steps after a thorough investigation.
