OPINION IT's time again for the people of Sibu to make a decision – whether to vote for SUPP which is representing the Barisan Nasional or the opposition DAP.
The late Robert Lau Hoi Chew ... a workaholic politician
Robert had brought a lot of changes to Sibu during his time that made the constituency a pleasant place to live in. He was a sincere and responsible people's representative and his untimely demise has robbed Sibu of one of its true, trusted and reliable sons.
Now, SUPP has chosen Robert Lau Hui Yew as our standard bearer for the May 16 by-election. Robert Junior has also proven to be another hardworking and conscientious person as he discharged all his duties as a local councilor very well. Robert Junior deserves the support of the people of Sibu.
Sibu is also my home town. I understand the needs of the local populace. I am confident that Robert Junior who is also very much aware of what the locals want will be able to fulfill their wishes and aspirations more effectively as their Member of Parliament.
No need to blow trumpet
I was also a MP from 1982 to 2008 and also had the opportunity to serve in the Cabinet. I can assure the people that their needs would be better fulfilled and voices better heard from within the government via a BN lawmaker. Many of us, elected legislators in the government, would prefer to do our work quietly and get things done without the publicity and fanfare. There was no necessity for us to shout and blow our trumpet whenever we accomplished our tasks on behalf of the people we had pledged to serve.
At this juncture, it is worth taking note of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's call for all leaders to show loyalty, integrity, ability and dedication to duty as core traits.
We must support Najib's call to put aside racial concerns and religious beliefs and unite as Malaysians to ensure the country's progress and prosperity.
This is a demonstration of rare leadership pedigree and the maturity by Najib to treat Umno's partners in the Barisan Nasional coalition and government as equals. We, in SUPP, are also assured by the PM's forthright direction and ambition to develop the nation in a manner whereby all Malaysians will have a stake.
On a personal note, I have been fortunate to be a Cabinet colleague of Najib for almost two decades until 2004. I am thankful for the many occasions where Najib had helped to resolve many sensitive issues that I had to handle as a politician.
To name a few, approval of a primary school in Bintulu, the issue of allowing underage children to start school earlier and to allow them to sit for the Standard Six Exam. Then, there was the long awaited approval to set up the United College of Sibu (UCS). Without the support of Najib, these issues would be beyond my capabilities to solve.
Power lies with the people
Najib has also performed very well since taking over as our prime minister. He deserves our accolades on his well received plans such as One Malaysia, Utamakan Rakyat approach, the assessment of the public delivery system, adoption of KPI for ministers etc. and to resolve our financial slowdown which has shown positive signs as reflected in our share market and other indicators.
Najib had also shown that he understood the importance of liberalisation within the country as borders came down among nations globally. We welcome his initiative to liberalise foreign investment initiatives by doing away with ethno-centric quotas, especially in the service sector.
Ultimately, leaders must be constantly mindful and humble to the fact that power lies with the people and leaders are judged by the results they produce. This is what Barisan Nasional leaders have been imbued with and the people of Sibu must back the PM on his many strong and relevant initiatives by voting for the Barisan Nasional candidate for Bandar Sibu on May 16.
LAW HIENG DING is SUPP deputy president and former Minister of Science, Technology and Environment.
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