Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud today said the Sarawak BN was ready for the Sibu parliamentary by-election, following the death of Deputy Transport Minister Robert Lau yesterday.

Abdul Taib who is also Sarawak BN chairperson said since the seat belonged to BN, it would be retained during the by-election.

"We are ready for the by-election," said Abdul Taib.

He said Lau who was a five-term MP in Sibu since 1990, had contributed immensely to the people of Sibu and its development, state and country.

"On behalf of the state, I wish to offer my condolence to the family of Lau. His death is a big loss to his family, the state of Sarawak and the country," he said.

The Election Commission (EC) is expected to receive an official notice of Lau's death before announcing the dates for nomination and polling.

Last respects

azlan Lau died at 11.10am yesterday after a long battle with liver cancer.

In the last general election, Lau retained the mostly-urban Bandar Sibu parliamentary seat with a 3,235-vote majority in a three-cornered fight with Lim Chin Chuang (PKR) and Sarawak DAP chief Wong Ho Leng.

Meanwhile, about 1,000 people turned at the Sibu Airport to pay their last respects to Lau.

 

Robert Lau's remains arrived in Sibu from Kuala Lumpur at about 10.50pm last night aboard an RMAF aircraft.

Lau, Sibu member of parliament for five terms since 1990, will be buried at the Nirvana Memorial Park tomorrow after the funeral mass at the St Mary's Church starting 9am.

- Bernama