Court Affirms Son As Sole Administrator Of Late Taib S Estate

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Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib was granted full authority over his late father’s estate in April 2024. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: The High Court in Sabah and Sarawak affirmed today that Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib is the sole administrator of his late father, former Sarawak governor Abdul Taib Mahmud’s estate, dismissing a legal challenge by his stepmother Raghad Kurdi Taib.
According to Dayak Daily, the court upheld letters of administration issued by the Kuching district office on April 26, 2024, granting Abu Bekir full authority over the estate.
The ruling effectively rejected Raghad’s bid to overturn the office’s decision and be named co-administrator.
On Dec 4, it was reported that the Kuching High Court heard Raghad’s judicial review against the Sarawak Administration of Estates Ordinance.
It was argued that Section 8 of the ordinance discriminates against women by prioritising male heirs and widowers over widows and female relatives, violating Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution on gender equality.
In delivering his judgment today, Justice Leonard David Shim said he found no grounds to revoke Abu Bekir’s appointment or to grant Raghad’s request for co-administration.
Shim said the probate officer had  lawfully exercised discretion under the ordinance by prioritising a male heir over the widow.
The court also held that the ordinance falls under personal law, which is exempt from gender equality challenges under Article 8(5)(a) of the Federal Constitution.
Raghad’s counsel Sylvester Lai had argued that the naming of her stepson as sole administrator was discriminatory and violated her rights as Taib’s widow.
As an alternative, Raghad had proposed that Majlis Islam Sarawak or an independent third party manage the estate due to ongoing family disputes.
The state attorney-general’s chambers, represented by Lonie Pinda and Syafiq Sapri, defended the Kuching district office’s decision, saying that the probate officer acted within his legal authority.
Abu Bekir, the second respondent, was represented by William Yeo, while Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib, the third respondent, was represented by Alvin Chong and Jonathan Tay.
The report did not state whether Raghad plans to appeal the ruling. - FMT

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