ANALYSIS While Abdul Taib Mahmud’s reign over Sarawak as the chief minister for 33 years will finally come to an end later this month, his political influence could very well continue for years to come.

If Taib is appointed as the state governor, there is no limitation on how long he could hold the post - as long as his four-year tenure is repeatedly renewed by the Sarawak chief minister, with the consent of the Agong.

In this case, it seems imperative that the CM be someone who would still be favoured by Taib personally, and the choice of Adenan Satem, his former brother-in-law, as the new CM could guarantee Taib's post as governor for life.

Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, the fifth Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, lasted a good 15 years in his post until his death in 2001. Taib, who is 78, could follow his example and die in office...