The family of late Patto rejected the proposal to rename Jalan Silibin to Jalan Patto. They were quite distressed and unhappy that the contributions and sacrifices of Patto were belittled or even unknown to the residents. Some excerpts from Star below:

Patto’s widow Mary, 59, said the decision was out of respect for the Silibin residents, who had protested against the proposed name change, and not out of fear.

“I am very sad and hurt to say that as a family, I will reject the offer to rename Silibin Road because of the controversy and uproar,” she told a packed press conference at Wisma DAP here on Saturday.

Speaking softly and passionately, Mary said she and her daughters were greatly distressed by newspaper articles suggesting that Patto had not done anything for the people.

The widow described her husband as a simple and humble man who wanted unity for all races, who often gave up his time with his daughters and wife to travel around the country.

“It was for the people that he lived for. When he lost his parents in Bagan Serai at a young age, he went through a lot of hardship and found many people living that way too.

“Those feelings stayed with him until he decided that he should work for the voiceless and that he would sacrifice his life for the less fortunate,” said Mary.

Lashing out at critics saying her husband had done little for his constituents as the Bagan MP, Mary said Patto was a national leader who struggled for everyone.

“He spent 18 months under ISA detention because of that struggle. What has Patto done to you?

“I am asking the public: Please do not attack us anymore. We have suffered enough. He is not here to defend himself,” she said with emotion.

To a question, Mary said the family was open to any other suggestion by the Pakatan Rakyat government to honour her husband.

Patto’s daughters Shaalini Anne, 27, and Kasthuriraani, 29, were of the view that it was not right that the people should remember their father because of a tussle over a road.

“My father’s struggle was not superficial. The newspapers have been quoting the minority who protested. What about the thousands of people who agreed to renaming Jalan Silibin?” said Shaalini.

Possible that the current generation does not know about Patto, what more of his contributions. People move out, businesses take over premises, things happen. Unless its properly documented somewhere. We can trust the history text books (and really, how many students love to study history subject?). Some won’t even know the name of all 5 prime ministers, what more of a opposition MP.

I guess the Silibin people have moved on. They really don’t see the need to rename the road. Purely viewed from economic and practical points.

However, does this rejection mean there won’t be any referendum to reveal the wishes of the people?  Since the road won’t be renamed, obviously no need to ask for opinions. I was looking forward for the referendum as it provided people a chance to directly have their say. Looks like have to wait for next controversy to come along.

It seems now that a new DAP research centre will be set up and name after Patto. The ‘P. Patto Research Centre’ will be its name.

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