Need to change government, says Fong
AFTER losing his first-born son to a congenital heart defect (CHD) in 1998, Michael Fong set his sights on assisting parents who were going through the same issue.
He has managed to assist as many as 5000 children suffering from CHD.
Mr Fong said he was bringing that same passion to the political arena as a candidate for the Fiji Labour Party in the 2022 General Election.
Born and raised in Labasa with maternal links to the village of Namama in Macuata, Vanua Levu, Mr Fong is one of the 45 approved candidates under the FLP banner.
By profession he is an automotive, locomotive and electrical engineer, as well as a specialist in occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) and is one of the first locals to receive accreditation in 1996 as an OHS trainer.
Mr Fong is currently the only Fijian in the Pacific certified by SHELL Australia as a Class 3 (flammable liquids) petroleum tanker driver trainer.
“I’m not out there for vote buying – yes I want people to vote for me, but I want them to genuinely feel that I am the guy,” he said.
In 1998, Michael Fong lost his first-born son because of CHD and the tragedy left him with a lifelong passion of assisting children suffering from CHD, raising funds for treatment and parental care, supporting visiting cardiac teams from India, Australia and New Zealand.
“Because of the tragedy with my son, my interest lies in the Ministry of Health – you don’t have to be a doctor to change the Ministry of Health, you need to have the knowledge, some knowhow, the right connections, the budget and a good heart to make changes – with all that you can do it.”
In the last two decades he has assisted approximately 5000 children suffering from CHD.
Mr Fong, a former Ba and Nadroga football rep said he got into politics because he felt there was a need to change the Government.
“We need the right people – people with integrity, dignity, who are genuinely there for the people.”
Mr Fong said he had three teenage children and was concerned about their future – and this was another reason he decided to put his hand up for public office.
“So instead of being in the backseat I’ve come in the front seat and as I am representing FLP and looking at our manifesto I really want to ensure that FLP as a government supports my children – and when I support my children not only as a parent but as a minister of something the other youths and people benefit as well – I want to make things happen not just for my children for the youths of Fiji.”
Mr Fong said he brought “a variety of expertise” to the political table.
“I bring problem solving skills, inter-personal skills, human resource skills, industrial relations skills and leadership skills – I bring to FLP fresh and new ideas.”
He said his family has been supportive throughout the journey.
“My children are extremely happy and one of the reasons is that they genuinely understand my intent of becoming a politician.
“I also have four siblings (one brother and two sisters) and they have been supportive as well which gives me hope.”
On a lighter note, Mr Fong said he thoroughly enjoys watching movies and rugby, plays lawn bowling, soccer, futsal and table tennis, he also enjoys archery, cycling and walking.
In 2007 he managed and coached the Tongan national table tennis team to the Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa. He has also served under various other capacities with Nasinu Football Association, Fiji Table Tennis Association, Fiji Higher Education Commission, Gospel High School, Suva Primary School, Queen Victoria School, Kolo’fou Football Club and Heilala Festival Committee in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
He said he decided to stand as a candidate for FLP because he deeply admires FLPs guiding principles
“Fiji Labour Party was formed to protect the rights and welfare of the workers and the ordinary people – our party leader Mr Chaudhry has an unmatched record of good governance, accountability, transparency and he is a genuine visionary leader.”
Mr Fong is an active member of Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, Fiji Human Resource Institute and Australian Human Resources Institute.
His message to voters is to “read the manifesto of each political party carefully and see which one would best assist and support you – vote wisely and make it count”.