Borneo Post Online
https://www.theborneopost.com/2020/06/24/laus-senator-appointment-a-boon-for-sibu/
The appointment of Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) deputy chairman Robert Lau as a senator is lauded by many folk here as it signifies the need for Sibu to have representation in the Upper House.
However, he acknowledged that such honour came together with huge responsibilities.
“(Lau) must keep up the good work for the Sibu communities,” added Yong.
In congratulating Lau on his appointment, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee regarded the senatorship as marking a key milestone in Lau’s years of dedication in serving the local communities through the SRDC and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), as well as political, social and sports associations.
“Having worked closely with him in the SMC and his involvement in sports and Sarawak Convention Bureau, I have full confidence that Robert would do his best in initiating changes for the betterment of Sarawakians in general – and the Sibu communities, in particular.
“Robert is known for his passion in speaking out about MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963) and the rights of Sarawak in the Federation of Malaysia; we hope that he could now do this more effectively as a senator,” Hii pointed out.
SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai is confident that Lau, 55, would bring forth more ideas and key issues to the Senate.
He also believed that Lau being a lawyer by profession, would perform well as a member of Dewan Negara.
“Personally, I have known Senator Robert Lau, since I started practising as a lawyer. Those days, he was a very active sportsman – always representing the Sibu Advocates Association and Sarawak Advocates Association in the ‘Bar Games’.
“As a person, he’s very easy to talk with and approachable. I believe with his ideas and plans for Sibu, he would bring those ideas to the Upper House and speak out for Sibu, in particular.
“Sibu needs development and job opportunities for the youngsters. We don’t want our youths to migrate away from Sibu, as we would lose these talents,” he said yesterday.
Lau was among the three Sarawakians who were sworn in as senators before Senate president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran in Dewan Negara on Monday.
The other two Sarawakians are Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women honorary secretary Susan Chemerai Anding, and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) deputy secretary-general Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol.