Vincent Lau quits as Chinese "Temenggong" to contest in polls

Community leader, Vincent Lau Lee Ming, today resigned as the "Temenggong" (paramount chief) of the Chinese community in Sibu Division as he has been picked as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Sibu parliamentary seat. The 65-year-old Lau tendered his resignation letter to the Sibu Division Resident Sim Kok Kee in the presence of the State Minister for Local Government and Community Development Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh. Lau, who is also a corporate figure, has been the "Temenggong" for over three years and was in charge of over 80 "Kapitans" (village heads), 20 "penghulus" and four "Pemanca" (senior penghulus). Lau said he had to resign as the community leader as they are not allowed to be active in politics. "I'm determined to serve the people better if I am elected. I've over 30 years experience in all sorts of community services, in Chinese education and working with many Chinese non-governmental organisations. Lau said the Chinese community must have representatives in the political mainstream to bring about better transformation and to look after their welfare. "There is no point in merely making criticisms here and there," he said. In his brief speech, Wong said Lau had done well as a community leader. He has been able to gather leaders from the many Chinese associations here and mould them into a "united front" and work committedly to help the community. "He is now eyeing a bigger and heavier role, encompassing a wider spectrum of the society. If he is elected, Lau will not only represent the Chinese but all the communities in Sibu. "Lau is a very humble person. I, as the chairman of the Sibu Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), and a few others came to see him three times to persuade him to consider becoming a BN candidate. "We believe Lau will be able to deliver Sibu back to BN, with the swing in Chinese support to the ruling coalition. "I believe there is a swing back of the political pendulum in this election. "Definitely, we need a greater representation in the federal government. "If we can take back Sibu and keep Lanang (parliament seat), these will be great assets for us to further develop Sibu," he added.