CHINESE COMMUNITY WANTS LOCAL ISSUES RESOLVED BY NEW ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES

By Abdul Rahman Fahmi Abdul Aziz

KINABATANGAN, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The Chinese community in Kinabatangan has expressed hope that the representatives elected in the upcoming parliamentary and state by-elections will genuinely listen to the people’s concerns, particularly regarding road infrastructure, Chinese-language education facilities and the need for a leader who is closely connected to the local community.

Deputy Chairman of the Kinabatangan Tiong Hua Chamber of Commerce, Lai Siew On, 52, said that although the Chinese electorate in the area is relatively small, the community has played a significant role in contributing to the local economy.

A businessman who has been operating in Kinabatangan for more than 20 years, Lai stressed that poor road conditions not only inconvenience residents but also disrupt daily business operations and logistics.

“We are not asking for much, but we sincerely hope that the problem of damaged roads here can finally be resolved by the newly elected representative,” he told Bernama recently.

Beyond infrastructure, Lai also expressed concern over access to mother-tongue education, noting that children from the Chinese community have to commute to Sandakan to receive formal Chinese-language instruction.

“If possible, I hope a teacher can be assigned to teach the Chinese language here. All races are interested in learning as well. Even one class would be sufficient, as long as the children here do not continue to drop out,” he said.

Meanwhile, hardware trader Chan Yuk Vui, 43, said the poor road conditions have placed significant pressure on small traders who rely on daily deliveries of goods.

“Four of my lorry tyres were damaged because of sharp stones on the road. A lot of time and money is wasted travelling on the same damaged road, and I want this issue resolved,” said Chan, who has lived in the area for nearly 22 years.

Former estate manager Simon Lo Vui Kiong, 58, said greater attention must be given to the development of Kinabatangan town to reduce residents’ dependence on neighbouring towns for necessities.

“If business facilities here were more complete, residents would not need to travel far. Sometimes, even to buy sports equipment, they have to go to Sandakan,” he said.

Lo added that in making his choice in the by-election, he would not base his decision solely on party affiliation, but on a candidate’s willingness to consistently engage with the community and take action to resolve issues.

“I don’t care which party the candidate is representing. What we want is someone who is always present, who listens and takes action...not someone who only shows up during elections,” he said.

The by-elections for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state seat are being held following the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, 66, on Dec 5 last year.

For the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat, Barisan Nasional (BN) has fielded Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar, who is contesting against Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman of Warisan and independent candidate Goldam Hamid.

For the Lamag state seat, it will witness a straight fight between Mohd Ismail Ayob of BN and Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malek.

The Election Commission has set Jan 20 for early voting and Jan 24 as the polling day.

-- BERNAMA