From Humble Beginnings To Political Vision: How Thonny Chee Is Driven To Transform Api-Api

By Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- Raised in a family with limited means, Thonny Chee knows firsthand the struggles that many face. It is this upbringing that fuels his passion as the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Api-Api seat, driving his commitment to give a voice to the people and push for real, lasting change.

Chee, 45, the eldest of eight siblings, grew up in a humble household, whose father worked as a timber worker and mother a farmer.

Chee said that a childhood full of hardships forced him to shoulder family responsibilities early on, while also instilling a steadfast determination to overcome poverty through education.

He said these life experiences have given him a profound understanding of the struggles faced by communities dealing with the rising cost of living, limited educational opportunities and scarce employment options, reinforcing his determination to enter politics and champion policies that truly serve the people.

“Politics were never really in my DNA. But I felt compelled to become part of it because only through politics can we create policies that benefit the people,” he told Bernama in a recent exclusive interview.

Representing PH to continue the five-term legacy of the Api-Api seat previously held by Datuk Seri Christina Liew, Chee acknowledged the significant responsibilities he bears but remains confident that voters will continue to support the party, given its proven track record of service.

“It’s not exactly a burden, but I do feel the responsibility is somewhat pressing. This seat is one of the key constituencies that highlights PKR’s presence in Sabah,” he said, while also expressing his appreciation for Liew.

Reflecting on the unique challenges of a constituency like Api-Api, Chee noted that the biggest hurdle is reaching voters who live outside the district, making on-the-ground campaigning particularly daunting.

He said most voters in the constituency do not reside within the five polling districts (Jalan Bandaran, Jalan Istana, Jalan Kebajikan, Kampong Ayer and Sunny Garden).

Chee said if elected, he intends to strengthen connections with out-of-district voters through collaboration with fellow representatives, upgrade infrastructure in areas like Sinsuran and Segama, enhance the aesthetics of urban lanes and cultivate a strong, proud identity of Api-Api.

In addition to tourism, Chee is also committed to advancing youth skills, especially for those who were unable to complete formal education, with a particular focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

“I feel that my life journey is a blessing from God, which has brought me to this point, and it is my duty to give back to the community,” he said.

Api-Api, which has 17,782 registered voters for the 17th State Election, is one of three state seats under the Kota Kinabalu parliamentary constituency, alongside Likas and Luyang.

Polling day has been fixed on Nov 29, with early voting on Nov 25.

For the latest news on the 17th Sabah state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php

N20: API-API: SABAH: 17,782

1. Ng Chun Sua                               (PIS)

2. Ting Shu Kiong                           (STAR)

3. Soh Kee Suat @ So Chee Say   (PBK)

4. Loi Kok Liang                              (Warisan)

5. Thonny Chee                               (PH-PKR)

(2020: Christina Liew Chin Jin: Warisan Plus-PKR: Majority: 5,347)

-- BERNAMA