SIBU: The plan to rename Jalan Pahlawan here to Jalan Robert Lau Hoi Chew has been postponed following strong public opposition.
They had complained to the authorities that renaming the road would cause them great inconvenience, Sarawak Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Michael Tiang (pic) said on Thursday (May 25) night.
Upset about having to change the address for their correspondence, official records and utilities, among others, the residents would prefer a new road built in the former Sibu MP's name instead.
“I have received a lot of responses and messages from people who are not happy with (the name change). They feel we should not touch the existing road name.
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"But they have no objection if a new road is built and named after Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew," he said on the sidelines of a Teachers' Day celebration.
Tiang said he had conveyed their feedback to Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“He then asked the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) to put the name change on hold. I will bring the matter to the state Cabinet to consider the public request,” he said.
The Pelawan assemblyman appealed for time to follow up on the matter.
“Be patient and I will bring back the decision of the Cabinet,” he said.
SMC chairman Clarence Ting said on May 11 that the state executive council had approved the application to rename the road in February.
The move to honour the former MP and deputy transport minister, who passed away 13 years ago, was to take effect on June 1.
