THE police must investigate allegations of forgery in the case between the children and second wife of current Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud as they represent a clear threat to the safety and security of Sarawak given his ongoing role as head of state.
Sarawak most active activist and human rights campaigner Peter John Jaban who made the call today said this is given that the matter has transcended beyond what is often considered as “civil case or rich people’s problems”.
“This kind of squabbling over who gets an even bigger slice of what is an incalculable fortune is already slightly repellent to all the citizens of Sarawak who are struggling to make ends meet as salaries remain stagnant and the cost of living spirals,” Jaban hit out in a media statement.
“But this case now involves the integrity of the position of our head of state (Taib) and the future of a company (Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd) which maintains a stranglehold on the construction industry of Sarawak.”
Added Jaban who is also deputy president of Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF): “Allegations have now been made in open court that the signature of Tun Taib has been forged. If these are proven to be true, then this goes beyond a family dispute. It threatens the very structure of Sarawak.
“Moreover, this shows both the level of ruthlessness and even criminal intent on the part of one of the parties to this lawsuit to claim a large chunk of Sarawak wealth that was never intended for them. The police must investigate this immediately as a matter of state security.”
Voicing his concerns in greater depth, the Free Sarawak radio deejay and founder of Sarawakians for Sarawak movement (2021) contended that Taib’s “signature holds great sway” as he continues to hold high office in Sarawak.
“How do we know that this is an isolated case? If proven to be true, these allegations could call into question every government document that he has signed and threaten the stability of our very systems of leadership,” suggested Jaban who is also the Sarawak Association for Peoples’ Aspiration (SAPA) publicity and information chief.
“What’s more, we must ask why Tun Taib himself has not come out to settle the matter and verify the signature. If he is unable to do so, why is he still holding such an important position in Sarawak? Appropriate action must be taken without delay on behalf of every Sarawakian.
“The very fact that the wife of the Governor is embroiled in such an unseemly dispute should be reason enough to reconsider her ceremonial role. The office of Governor should be beyond reproach. These allegations blacken the reputation of the Sarawak,” he concluded. – Nov 4, 2023
