It was meant to be a congratulatory message to Abdul Taib Mahmud on being appointed Sarawak governor on March 1. Unfortunately, a typo in the full-page advertisement in Sarawak daily Utusan Sarawak has put paid to that notion. Instead of saying 'Tahniah’ (congratulations), the advertisement had the word 'Tahinah' alongside a photo of Taib being sworn into his new post. Worse, the advertisement was placed by Taib's own party, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), which leads the state BN coalition. The advertisement was published on page 10 of yesterday's edition of the Malay daily, which was established in the mid-1990s. Malaysiakini is in the process of contacting the advertisement department of Utusan Sarawak for more information. Taib, who served as chief minister of Sarawak for 33 years, had stepped down on Feb 28 to assume the post of governor. His tenure was marked by multiple allegations of corruption and nepotism, leading to an investigation paper being opened by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. A futile campaign attempted to prevent the Agong from approving Taib's elevation to governor, with critics noting that the appointment would give him immunity from possible prosecution. Taib has vacated the Balingian state seat to assume the post. The Election Commission has yet to announce the date for the by-election, the fourth nationwide since the 13th general election held last May. -Malaysiakini
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