Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud returned to Sarawak late last night from Australia and reportedly smiled and waved to waiting journalists from his car, according to a Bernama report.

The report said Taib's "cheerful-looking" demeanour was "reaffirming that he was in good health".

However, Taib, who was accompanied by his wife Laila, did not speak to the media who had waited nearly three hours at the Kuching International Airport for his midnight arrival.

Taib, 71, has led the state for 26 years and helms Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu. He had previously recovered from colon cancer.

Last week, a number of top-level Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) leaders left for Australia, sparking speculations that Taib was working out a succession plan.

Among them were PBB senior vice-president Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, state assembly speaker Awang Asfia Awang Nassar, deputy chief minister Alfred Jabu and former Federal Natural Resources and Environment Minister Adenan Satem.

'Very well and fine'

Thus far, Housing Minister and PBB deputy president Abang Johari Tun Openg has confirmed that he too was in Australia to for an "official meeting" with the Taib, but declined to elaborate.

On speculations that Taib was ill, Abang Johari said the former was "very well and fine".

Abang Johari is considered the likely successor to Taib's post.

Taib was in Australia last week to attend a farewell reception for South Australia governor Marjorie Jackson-Nelson who was retiring this month.

When asked by reporters regarding the malaysiakini report, Taib declined to comment.

"I refuse to comment. Do you believe your own eyes or do you believe the propaganda of certain parties?" he said after attending a function today.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari also said that he was in Australia to attend the South Australia governor's farewell party.