Abang Muhammad Salahuddin
Abang Muhammad Salahuddin bin Abang Barieng is the former Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of the Malaysian state of Sarawak from 1977 to 1981, and again from 2001 to 2014. He is the first person to serve as Governor twice.[1][2] He is also fondly known as Abang Louis, by his old friends and acquaintances, especially in his hometown of Sibu. His term officially ended on 28 February 2014, and he was succeeded by the former Chief Minister, Abdul Taib Mahmud, on 1 March.
Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Pehin Sri Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng SMN SBS DP | |
|---|---|
 Abang Muhammad Salahuddin in 2011. | |
| 6th Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak | |
| In office 22 February 2001 – 28 February 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Ahmad Zaidi Adruce |
| Succeeded by | Abdul Taib Mahmud |
| 3rd Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak | |
| In office 2 April 1977 – 2 April 1981 | |
| Preceded by | Tuanku Bujang Tuanku Othman |
| Succeeded by | Abdul Rahman Ya'kub |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 August 1921 Kampung Nangka, Sibu, Kingdom of Sarawak |
| Spouse(s) | Toh Puan Hajjah Dayang Umi Kalthum (deceased) Toh Puan Hajah Norkiah |
| Children | 12 |
| Residence | The Astana, Kuching |
Early life
Born in 1921, Salahuddin, or Abang Louis, is the only son of Abang Barieng bin Abang Anyut, a well-known figure in the Third Division (present-day Sibu Division).
After the Japanese occupation, he worked as Municipal Inspector until 1947 under the new British colonial administration. He continued in the public service under the National Registration Department and the Public Works Department.
Political career
He was active in state politics, helping to form Barisan Pemuda Sarawak (BPS) and Barisan Rakyat Jati Sarawak (BARJASA). Salahuddin acted as representative of the Melanau community to the Cobbold Commission during the years preceding the formation of Malaysia.
In 1963, he contested and won a seat in the state elections. However, he resigned in 1968 and returned to public service. He eventually became Chairman of the State Public Service Commission.
Governorship
In 1977, he was installed as the third Governor of Sarawak and served for a term of four years. In 2000, he became Acting Governor while the Governor Ahmad Zaidi Adruce was ill.[3] Zaidi Adruce died in December 2000, and Salahuddin was reappointed permanently to the governorship in February 2001, and his term officially ended on 28 February 2014.
Awards and recognitions
He has been awarded :[4]
He holds the usual Malay title of "Tun Datuk Patinggi" by combining the highest title of Malaysia and the highest title of Sarawak. But in other parts of Malaysia, he holds other titles. See details below.
Honours of Sarawak
- As 3rd & 6th List of Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak (2 April 1977 – 2 April 1981 & 22 February 2001 – 28 February 2014)
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Honours of Malaysia
Salahuddin was bestowed the nation's highest award – the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara which carries the title Tun, by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 7 June 1978.
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References
- "Services of heads of state of Sarawak, Sabah extended". New Straits Times. 5 December 2006. p. 11.
- Sarawak governor’s tenure extended by one more year The Star. 29 November 2008
- Ram Anand (28 February 2014). "Previous Governors Of Sarawak". The Borneo Post.
- List of malaysian rulers as of January 2013, with mention of orders
- "Senarai Penuh Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat Persekutuan Tahun 1978" (PDF).
Notes
- Who's who 82/83 (First Edition), Sarawak Publishing House Sdn.Bhd., Kuching, Malaysia.
| Preceded by Tuanku Bujang Tuanku Othman |
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak 1977–1981 |
Succeeded by Abdul Rahman Ya'kub |
| Preceded by Ahmad Zaidi Adruce |
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak 2001–2014 |
Succeeded by Abdul Taib Mahmud |