There were Christian worship songs playing in the background, as I stepped in room 1340 of Fourpoint hotel.
After we shook hands, we were seated in a separate lounge area in the suite.
"I have a back problem, too much of walking around for the pass few days" said Liew Vui Keong while adjusting the pillow on his back.
Clad in yellow polo t-shirt it has 2 big letters saying "BN" on the right side of his chest.
After adjusting his clip microphone, I cued my cameraman if he is ready. He nodded.
"Datuk, you won by narrow majority of 176 in 2008 general election, how do you think you will fare?" I went straight for the kill.
"Back then there was a 3-cornered fight; myself from LDP, another guy from DAP and an independent candidate," he started.
"The independent candidate was my former youth chief, " said Liew, 53, who is also the president of the locally based Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
"Maybe it was because many voters were not very happy that I was not from Sandakan" said the MP who was born in Kota Belud.
"But over the pass 5 years, the voters have come to know me and they have seen my works here. My relationship with them have improved tremendously and I'm happy with the level of acceptance here."
Defending his seat for the second term, Liew's vision for his constituency is to work towards Greater Sandakan and turn the second largest city after Kota Kinabalu into a regional business hub.
"Sandakan is ideal for businessmen to fly in and has easy access to many people. The potential is enormous, we have trading, oil palm plantation and tourism."
He pointed out to the window of the suite that overlooks the Sandakan harbour.
The sea was as blue as it can get with boats and ships coming in and out of the harbour. It was such a picturesque view.
"We are also nearby Indonesia, Brunei and Philippines, so it's easy for their businessmen to come here and do business."
"Because whatever developments in Sandakan will have a spill over effect in other places. Sandakan is an entry point for Libaran, Beluran, Kinabatangan and Batu Sapi. You can say Sandakan is like a mother of 4" he added.
"They people also feel jubilant and look forward for this to happen. This is my Greater Sandakan vision that I will see come to pass in the next 5 years to come," he said smilingly.
Closing my notepad, I thanked him for his time.
Before I left, I wished him the best for the coming elections. Gesturing his two hands above, he simply replied "I will leave it to the Almighty."
Walking out, I noticed a Bible on his table.
"Have you seen our party manifesto?" Liew asked as though suddenly reminded of something.
"Oh yeah, LDP's glossy party manifesto. I recall reading about it a few days ago," I said.
Happily he took out the glossy magazine-like booklet and flipped though the pages of all the 5 candidate's profiles and their works.
Apart from Liew, who will be contesting in parliament seat in Sandakan, the other 4 candidates will be contesting state seats in Likas, Karamunting, Tanjong Kapor and Merotai.
"Would you also like an autograph?" Liew asked cheekily while putting his signature on the first page with his photo as the party's president.
"Sure" I laughed and thanked him for the booklet and again his time.
Ushering me out the door, he reminded me of something important to do.
"Don't forget to try the seafood here in Sandakan."
Datuk VK Liew will face one to one fight against Wong Tien Fatt of DAP to contest for the Sandakan parliamentary seat.
Tan Su Lin
Sat Apr 20 2013
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