Kota Kinabalu: Datuk Wong Thien Fook is 66 and the oldest in the 13-cornered fight for Inanam, but the Upko candidate believes age is no obstacle to delivering fresh ideas for the constituency.
The businessman, who wears a hearing aid in one ear, is in good spirits and plans to harness his years of experience in community engagement by bringing young people and women into a council that will bring in innovative solutions.
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A political newcomer but with decades of grassroots work, Wong has worked in various community development roles since 1987, including as Penyelia Kemajuan Masyarakat and Pemimpin Kemajuan Rakyat for Inanam.
“I am a newbie, first time contesting. Though 40 years on the ground, I have never thought that I would become a candidate,” he said. His roots in the area have given him knowledge of local challenges, especially the flooding in Kolombong that happened again recently.
“To alleviate the flooding in Kolombong, Drainage and Irrigation Department and the State Government need to install a tidal wave gate in Sungai Likas,” he said, noting that flooding typically happens within an hour when high tides coincide with downpours.
On his vision for Inanam, he wants to create more jobs, raising incomes, upgrading roads and traffic systems, building affordable B40 housing, enhancing security, improving schools and ensuring families can progress together.
“Someone asked me, ‘how do you facilitate when there is problem?’ I said, coordinating with government agencies and the people on the ground.”
The Pekan Manggatal-born candidate faces a tough contest. Incumbent Pakatan Harapan-PKR Assemblyman Datuk Peto Galim won the seat previously with a 5,638-vote majority and is seeking to defend the seat.
Other challengers include Datuk Kenny Chua (StarSabah), Sumail @ Marino Ahmad (Rumpun), Gordon Lai Han Yung (PBK), Wong Lee Kah @ Lewis Wong (KDM), Edna Jessica Majimbun (Warisan), Martin Sibit (GAS), Chia Yun Kong (PR), Paul Anap (PIS), Joseph Linggian @ Joseph Chong (Anak Negeri) and independents, Datuk Dr Roland Chia and Shone Eric Jr Majimbun.
Both Kenny and Dr Roland are former Inanam assemblymen.
