Sarawak CM Are You OK?

In Malaysia (I'm not sure about other countries) when there is a statement especially from government leaders that this or that report is not true, usually it turns out that something indeed was not right. We've been so conditioned to officials not telling the whole truth on so many issues, that there is a tendency to reflexly disbelieve when a denial is given over some matter. A case in point is the Air Pollutant Index during the hazy period. I don't think anyone took the official figures seriously. The same is true of other 'clarifications and explanations' by the government. Therefore when this story surfaced today via Malaysiakini that the Sarawak CM could be very ill and it was promptly denied by the authorities, naturally not everyone was totally taken in by the denial. Read this Bernama report for the details.

Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is in perfect health condition and not "seriously ill" as reported by an online news portal Thursday.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan, in refuting the report, said Taib was now in Australia on official duties and expected to be back soon.

"As of now, there is no information or indication from Abdul Taib that he is ill," he told reporters after chairing the state's Disaster and Relief Management Committee meeting here.

Without divulging the details of Taib's visit to Adelaide, Australia, Dr Chan said he had spoken to Taib's secretary and during the conversation, the status of his health was never mentioned to him, indicating that the Chief Minister was fine.

The online news portal, Malaysiakini reported today that the Chief Minister was seriously ill to the extent that an acting Chief Minister would be appointed while he received medical treatment overseas.

The report also stated that some Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) leaders had rushed to Australia to visit him, prompting rumours that he was ill.

***** Judging by the evasive manner of the deputy CM's answers there is no doubt that something is very wrong. Does anyone have new information about this matter?
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