Chang aims for change by empowering Likas folk
KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional’s Likas candidate Dr Chang Kee Ying pledges to empower the Likas community and protect the surrounding environment of this urban seat should she secure the seat.
The 32-year-old dentist, a firsttime candidate, wants to create a space where community participation is encouraged by giving feedback on how to make Likas, located within the state capital, the most liveable place.
“We need the local community’s input on how to better and improve this place,” she said when unveiling her four-core election manifesto with the tagline “Change Takes Courage”.
Under the manifesto, Dr Chang wants to provide a safe and welcoming environment where people can interact in social and physical activities, such as support groups, volunteerism and learning.
“It will also be ideal to have a onestop service and information hub to streamline all services and information for Likas residents,” she said.
Enhancing the quality of life for Likas residents also links to one of the four cores of her manifesto, protecting the environment, especially in maintaining its aesthetics.
Dr Chang highlighted the need to create better management of waste recycling centres within Kota Kinabalu.
At the same time, the beautification and maintenance of public parks and open spaces are vital so that Likas folks can enjoy the outdoors with their families.
Dr Chang’s two other cores are related to supporting women and guiding the youth.
As a start, she wants to provide facilities and services where women can check their body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure, undergo breast and pap smear tests, and receive counselling.
“I wish to support and address the needs of young women and girls. I hope I will get the chance to be the voice of the female gender, voicing against sexual abuse and mistreatment,” she said.
On guiding the youth, Dr Chang wants to focus on encouraging young people to actively participate in issues of urban governance and urban policy development.
“I want to drive our youth to be interested in these matters and for them to have a better understanding of politics.
“At the same time, I want to enhance their soft skills by instilling volunteerism,” she said.
Dr Chang will be facing incumbent Tan Lee Fatt (DAP-Warisan Plus) in a seven-cornered fight.
The other candidates are Independent Melanie Chia who is a veteran politician formerly with SAPP, Jeff Lu Siau Wee (Parti Cinta Sabah), Daniel Isaac Hoong (Usno), Chong Chee Vui (PPRS) and Sim Fui (LDP).