SIBU: From an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan.
That is the magnitude of transformation Sibu has undergone over the years, a transformation that many attribute to one man – Datuk Robert Lau.
PROCESSION: Sibu and SUPP leaders leading the procession at Sibu Gateway. Dr Chan and Wong are fourth and third right (front row) respectively. Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh in stating this yesterday said the late Deputy Transport Minister had transformed Sibu physically, socially and economically.
“During his term as Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Robert had brought exciting and rapid development to the town,” Wong said when paying tribute to the late Lau at St Mary’s Church here.
Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.
“The people of Sibu, who have gone elsewhere, and upon their return here, marvelled as to how an ugly duckling could be turned into a beautiful swan.
“This was all due to the sheer hard work and dedication of Datuk Robert,” Wong said.
Wong, who is also Minister of Environment and Public Health, said Lau had good leadership qualities and values.
His (Lau) leadership had never failed to impress anyone with whom he came into contact.
Recalling his final moments with Lau, Wong said despite his being physically weak, the late deputy minister mustered enough strength to speak on his “unfinished work”.
“He told me about the unfinished work that he was going to leave behind. He said he was sorry that he could no longer continue working with me and other colleagues,” he said.
Lau, he said, was a person who worked continuously until his very last breath.
Wong said Lau’s partnership with him and the rest of BN team in Sibu was superb.
“Datuk Robert must be regarded as the cornerstone of this partnership,” he said, adding that in Lau’s departure, he had lost a great friend of more than 30 years, a comrade-in-arm in SUPP and a leader of high calibre.
Wong said Lau devoted most part, if not all, of his life to the service of the people.
“We thank Datuk Robert for his great contribution and he will forever remain a proud son of Sibu,” he said.
Speaking later, Alvin Lau spoke of his father as a caring person and a man of action.
Alvin added that his father was a generous man with a big heart.
Source: Borneo Post
