King Chiong the get-it-done man
MIRI: He could have taken the easy route, enjoy the way of life with his family his riches could provide and continue his philanthropic contributions .
But Dato Hii King Chiong who heads his family’s vast established business interests chose to plunge into the hurly burly of the political world confounding his friends, associates and the general public.
He took a major step into the political arena by contesting in the Pujut constituency in this election as a BN direct candidate. A man of few words and a good listener Hii lives by the motto“Get-It-Done”.
At the drop of a hat, he would roll up his sleeves, and jump into his car to get down to the ground to help people, schools, guilds and associations, churches, temples and suraus regardless of race or creed.
It is common to hear people marvelling at his speed in getting things done when their request was put to him. He even went to the Krokop area, an opposition stronghold, where drainage woes is now a thing of the past after he intervened.
And he already has a list of the infrastructure and facilities problems in Pujut which he pledged to address if elected . These are areas which were neglected by the former opposition state assemblyman.
“I am not a talker. I am a worker. Getting things done is my talk,” he told The Borneo Post when met during a quick lunch break recently at his Pujut BN Operation Centre near the junction ofSetia Raja and Jalan Brooke.
His wife Datin Hua Eng is his source of strength and inspiration, backing him all the way from working hand-in-hand with election workers at the Operation Centre to accompanying him in his many walkabouts in the election campaign.
The ease of the public connecting with Hii in his walkabout was evident.
Hii and his wife join their election workers for lunch at the operation centre, sharing the same simple home cooked food.
In his trademark “Get It Done” spirit, his team and supporters started from scratch but were soon flying of the mark. So much so that his posters, flags and banners flooded every strategic locations in the city, with a flurry of walkabouts in all votes-rich areas and a battery of BN top guns coming to town.
Despite his formidable election machinery and resources, a downtoearth Hii downplayed speculations of cruising to an easy victory in Pujut, saying it required a lot of effort and cooperation of everyone to return the BN in Pujut.
“Wresting the seat back for BN is not easy as it sounds. I am appealing to the voters in Pujut to give me a chance to serve and get things done for them, “he said.
BN lost the seat to DAP in the last state election in 2011 when Andy Chia Chu Fatt was thumped by Fong Pau Teck who was subsequently sacked by his party for insubordination.
Hii is facing Dr Ting Tiong Choon of DAP, Fong, and Haji Jofri Jaraiee of PAS in a fourcornered fight in this constituency of predominantly Chinese voters ( 70 % ) where the Bumiputera voters (30% ) are king makers in this election.
There has been no let up in Hii meeting voters in markets, coffee shops, big corporations, attend political ceramahs, attending to problems and issues faced by the people and a myriad of other election issues to tackle from the word “go”.
Hii’s philanthropy is inspired by his grandfather and father,
“I never forget my grandfather’s advice- he told me that I must always help schools that need help, “he said of his numerous contributions to Chinese Schools over the decades.
His father, Dato Hii Yii Peng, reinforced the value of giving back to the society once he was successful, laying the foundation of his social work which has benefitted many here.
He has been involved in different responsible capacities in various social bodies, including but not limited to schools, social associations and others.
Under Majulah Miri Group, he established two service centres in Miri, recruited volunteers and worked tirelessly to resolve many issues faced by the people.
He was happiest when the Sarawak State Government recognised the United Examination Certificate ( UEC) qualification to be accepted into the civil service and university, a worthy cause close to his heart
Fighting for Chinese education, he works together with associations and boards of school management continues to bear heavy financial constraints to solve problems of old and dilapidated wooden buildings which he has also personally contributed financial assistance.
A Lawas Chinese businessman surbamed Wong told Post that Hii’s contribution goes far beyond Miri, proving his sincerity and passion in fighting for Chinese education.
“He donated RM 25,000 to our small school in Trusan in Lawas. We are indebted to him and he certainly deserves our votes if we are in his constituency,” he said.