He is a political greenhorn. But the well-heeled businessman can be easily distinguished from the other candidates in the Sarawak state election due to his attention-grabbing mutton chop sideburns, which some have likened to that of comic book character Wolverine.

With campaigning set to close at midnight, Hii King Chiong, who is the BN direct candidate for the Pujut seat, has penned an emotional appeal to his voters.

Should he be elected, Hii pledged that he and his team would implement policies that would be beneficial to the people of Sarawak and Miri.

Failing which, he vowed to quit.

"If we don't perform after being elected, after five years, I will step down myself. I mean what I say," he said.

In his message, Hii recalled his humble beginnings in a poor rubber farmer family, and how his grandfather, who was an immigrant from China, had been an inspiration to him.

"When I was still a primary school student, my grandfather carried me to school on his back, bare-footed.

"I can still remember vividly what he told me, 'When you are all grown up and have succeeded, help your school.' The school he was referring to was the Chinese primary school that I was attending back then," he said.

Hii, who is also regarded as a philanthropist, said growing up in a Christian family had influenced him to help others.

"Our clan business was deeply imbued with the Lord's limitless love and we aimed to help the poor as far as we can.

"My late father, Hii Yii Peng, started off in a very low position and he achieved moderate success after years of effort and striving. Apart from taking care of us, he too lent a hand to those in needs," he added.

Apart from this, Hii also revealed how he became interested in politics after moving to Miri and his plans for the people.

"If I were selected, not only will I seep into and communicate with the grassroots of the society; with my team, I will also nestle up to the people to ensure and guarantee that the policies are consistent with the social conditions, in turn, improving the service standards.

"To provide a stable and harmonious living environment where people are well taken care of, living in peace comfortably with confidence and dignity – this is my ultimate goal!

"On this very path, I am learning lessons from the past. Having a full grasp of wealth is unimportant. What is crucial is how this wealth can be utilised in enhancing societal values.

"In the past there were no grudges among us. The politicians and the people are one; we share the consensus and the united political grounds, the one and only goal that all Malaysians are progressing towards," he said.

Hii would be battling in a four-cornered fight involving DAP’s Ting Tiong Choon; incumbent Fong Pau Teck, who was sacked from DAP; and PAS' Jofrie Jaraiee.