KOTA KINABALU: PKR’s Api-Api candidate Thonny Chee has dismissed claims that he cannot connect with the constituency’s Chinese community due to language limitations.
He said he communicates comfortably in Malay and English while continuing lessons in Mandarin and Hakka.
Chee said those questioning his Chinese fluency overlook the multilingual nature of Chinese Sabahans, who routinely switch between several languages.
He added that he prefers using Malay and English to avoid tonal misunderstandings in Chinese dialects, noting that his campaign team also reflects Api-Api’s multicultural mix.
Chee said Api-Api’s young and older voters have differing needs and stressed that close coordination between the state and federal governments would help him tap national programmes to support local youth.