12-2-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The mystery surrounding the current location of Sarawak’s ailing former leader, Taib Mahmud, adds another layer to the ongoing feud between his blood relatives and his current wife.
Internal discord within the Taib family emerged into public view in mid-2023 when the children of the former state governor initiated legal action against their Syrian-born stepmother. The dispute centred around the contested transfer of 50 million shares in a family-controlled firm, which has historically benefited from government projects in the eastern Malaysian state. This company’s ties trace back to Tun Taib’s tenure as chief minister from 1981 to 2014.
The shares, valued at approximately RM50 million (S$14 million), merely scratch the surface of a much larger estate, leading many to speculate that Mr. Taib may be Malaysia’s wealthiest individual.
On February 3, reports surfaced, backed by police statements from his children, doctor, and lawyer, suggesting that Mr. Taib, now 87, had been removed from a hospital in Kuching by his 44-year-old wife, Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib, against medical advice and without the knowledge of his stepchildren.
Since then, developments over the past week have fuelled speculation regarding Mr. Taib’s exact whereabouts. His tenure as governor ended abruptly on January 26, raising concerns about his declining physical and mental health. Former minister Wan Junaidi Jaafar replaced him, having previously resigned as president of Malaysia’s upper legislative Chamber, the Dewan Negara.
Despite Malaysian police chief Razarudin Husain’s dismissal of claims of kidnapping on February 7, Mr. Taib’s brother, Datuk Mohammad Tufail Mahmud, lodged a police report asserting that neither the siblings nor Mr. Taib’s biological children were aware of his current location or health status, squarely placing responsibility on Ms. Raghad.
Their concerns seemed validated on February 10 when Inspector-General of Police Razarudin revealed that Mr. Taib was indeed admitted to a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur, with investigation papers forwarded to prosecutors for further action.
Throughout February, viral images of Ms. Raghad overseeing the packing of numerous suitcases and boxes have fuelled rumours of an attempted escape, although it’s plausible the family was simply relocating after vacating the governor’s official residence.
This recent uncertainty isn’t the first time Mr. Taib’s movements have been shrouded in secrecy. His return from a medical trip to Turkey with Ms. Raghad in mid-2023 was delayed until September 16, prompting concern from the state government under Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, whose administration requires the governor’s assent for important matters.
Mr. Taib’s absence from public events and state functions over the past year, coupled with the cancellation of celebrations for his 87th birthday, has intensified concerns about his health and mental state. Ms. Raghad, reportedly a widow with her own children when she married the former Chief Minister in 2010, has served as his spokesperson as his health deteriorated.
Watchdog organisations like the Bruno Manser Fund have long alleged that Mr. Taib’s wealth, estimated to exceed US$20 billion, has been amassed through logging, agriculture, and construction businesses, often concealed through family or political proxies. The family’s affairs, including Mr. Taib’s affinity for Rolls-Royce cars, have garnered public attention, including a headline-making divorce settlement demand from his eldest son’s former wife.
