Robert Lau may have lost the battle with cancer but the veteran politician won the respect and admiration of his constituents, fellow politicians and the people at large.

The deputy transport minister was 68 when he succumbed to the disease at his home this morning.

The fact that Lau was still serving the people despite a protracted battle with cancer speaks volumes of the man who was Bandar Sibu member of parliament since 1990.

NONE "Lau died while he was still serving. He served very well. He had served in many capacities, including as Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman from 1999 to 2004.

"It was during his tenure as chairman that he transformed Sibu from a dirty sleepy hollow to the clean, orderly and vibrant town of today... the Sibu that all of us can be proud of," said Nangka state assembly representative Awang Bemee Awang Ali  Basah.

"When he was SMC chairman, Lau had introduced some truly brilliant ideas, especially on 'community gardens' which involved public participation to beautify the town.

"Besides, he has also banned the rearing of chickens and ducks in the backyard of houses in the town," he added.

NONE Bemee said he had not only lost a comrade in politics but a very close friend, as well.

Noting that Lau was focused on human resource development, he said the deputy transport minister had tried to provide the best educational infrastructure and facilities in the town.

"If you look at the SMK Sacred Heart Seconday School, SMK Saint Elizabeth, Sacred Heart Community College and many others, (one would deduce that) Lau was largely responsible for their re-development," he added.

As a parliamentarian too, Bemee said, Lau had done exceptionally well, not only for his constituents but the people of Sarawak, as well.

DAP leaders to pay last respects

wong ho leng Sarawak DAP chief Wong Ho Leng expressed sadness over Lau's passing due to cancer.

"Although in politics we had differing views and we had been contesting against one another, the most recent in 2008, we were also friends.

"He had actually been trying to solve problems affecting the people when he was SMC chairman. I had contacted Lau quite regularly over the telephone to convey the plight of the people... and he managed to solve some of their problems," he said.

Wong said that he would be leading a group of DAP officials to pay their last respects to Lau at his residence tomorrow.

Meanwhile in Putrajaya, Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat described his deputy's passing as a big loss to the ministry as Lau was dedicated, responsible and committed in carrying out his many tasks.

"I am very sad over his loss. He had helped me tremendously in my official duties," he said.

- Bernama