KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib has raised serious questions over the legality of his recent redesignation at Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB), claiming he was neither consulted nor informed before the company announced the move publicly.
The move comes amid a backdrop of ongoing tensions between Mahmud and the CMSB board, which have included disputes over his participation in board meetings and access to key company information.
Mahmud has previously challenged the board over claims that he was excluded from discussions under the pretext of a “conflict of interest,” even as major financial decisions and budget approvals were made in his absence.
Corporate observers say the redesignation, and the manner in which it was communicated, could have wider implications for boardroom transparency and investor confidence in one of Sarawak’s largest conglomerates.
Speaking exclusively to Scoop, Mahmud, who has served as deputy group chairman since 2002, said he was unaware of any board meeting or circular resolution regarding his change of status to non-independent, non-executive director, a role officially announced on April 7 this year.
“I was not invited to nor am I aware of a board meeting or a circular resolution with regard to my ‘redesignation’ to a non-independent, non-executive director from a deputy group chairman, a position that I have held since 2002.
“I was only made aware of this action through the company’s public announcement on the 7th of April. I am unsure as to the compliance and legality of my redesignation.
“What I did receive was an invitation to a Hari Raya open house, which I was unfortunately unable to attend this year.
“Good governance remains paramount. I have instructed my lawyers to look into filing a complaint to the Securities Commission, SSM and Bursa Malaysia to facilitate an investigation on this matter,” he said.
The redesignation has sparked further scrutiny over CMSB’s corporate governance practices, with analysts’ reports noting that ensuring proper procedures and communication in board decisions is essential to maintaining trust among shareholders and stakeholders alike.
At the time of publication, CMSB had not issued a response to Mahmud’s statements. – April 9, 2026