DOCTOR PUTS REPUTATION AT STAKE
Dr Joseph Lee vows to make good on all the promises he makes
HE has been treating the sick, but Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Dr Joseph Lee Han Kyun now hopes to be given the chance to serve the urban constituency of the state capital.
The doctor, in private practice, aims to regain the Kota Kinabalu parliamentary seat and said he would use the same principles that guided him in his medical career — which was telling the truth and delivering promises.
The 46-year-old intended to bring change to the healthcare system in Sabah, stating that improvements must happen not only here, but across the state.
“Sabah has room for improvement in its healthcare system and more facilities are needed.
“Not only in terms of hospitals, but also primary care, especially in rural villages.
“We also aspire to bring more experts to Sabah. Looking at how many upcoming doctors we have, that possibility is quite bright,” he said during a walkabout in Segama here yesterday.
He said while Malaysia had one of the most affordable and accessible healthcare system, some issues must be resolved.
“Due to the lack of facilities and personnel, a lot of patients have to wait. In future, we wish to reduce patient waiting time.”
Dr Joseph, who worked at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and now ran his clinic in Penampang, drew his strength from many years of practice.
“The years spent in QEH were tiring — working in the emergency department, sometimes 24 hours a day, but I enjoyed it,” he said with a smile, adding that social work had been his calling.
He intended to honour each of his promises given that his reputation was at stake.
“As a doctor, we have to tell the truth to our patients. We must deliver what we say to them. Today, given the chance to be a politician, I strive to do the same.
“I mean what I say, I say what I mean,” he asserted, adding that despite being prepared to leave his private practice to join politics, he still holds true to the virtues of a doctor.
Dr Joseph will be facing a three-way fight with Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee and DAP’s Chan Foong Hin.