SIBU: Former Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang has taken offence with the decision to rename Jalan Pahlawan here.
In a tersely worded statement on Saturday she claimed Sibu Municipal Council has shown scant regard for the cost and inconveniences the move will have on people and businesses.
“The 333 holdings (as reported) of businesses (including a few banks), government agencies and the huge population of small-medium enterprises and individuals which and who are affected would now have to update their personal identification documents, licenses, their business records, letterheads, name cards, directories, maps and websites and all other documents just to reflect the new address,” she charged.
“These affected holdings, especially the SMEs, would now also have to worry about the cost which they would incur from this change of address.
“With the increase in prices of ordinary goods and services and SMEs struggling to make daily ends meet, the people can certainly do without this extra hassle which would follow from the decision of SMC.”
Chang, a lawyer by profession was referring to the recent announcement by SMC chairman Clarence Ting that Jalan Pahlawan will be renamed Jalan Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew next month.
He said the proposal to rename the road was approved by the state executive council in February.
He said the move was to commemorate the late leader and his service to the people.
Chang called on SMC to reveal the cost expected to be incurred by them and all related agencies in changing all the road signs of Jalan Pahlawan which covers a large area with many feeder roads and lanes.
She said since these costs would eventually be passed down to the taxpayers, the people have the right to know.
“Personally, I have nothing against honouring our past leaders and their contributions to our society.
“However, there are many ways of doing that and a better way would be to consider constantly beautifying, improving and upgrading the facilities in the parks in Sibu and name them after these past leaders whom they wish to honour. This way, the people would get to enjoy the park facilities and at the same time, would remember the contributions of these past leaders.
“Another option is to name existing public facilities and premises after these leaders. And since Dewan Suarah is now expected to be renovated, SMC can also propose that certain parts of the premises be named after them.
“These would have been more cost effective ways to honour these past leaders without burdening the people,” she said.
She pointed out renaming roads should not be a top priority for SMC when there are still many clogged drains in Sibu waiting to be dug and cleared, potholes to be filled and roads to be upgraded.
