Monday April 20, 2009
Visions to share
By FOONG PEK YEE
Former deputy minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim talks about his passion for photography.
MANY politicians often find it hard to step out of the spotlight, especially when they are no longer in office, but not Datuk Hon Choon Kim. Having traded his suit for casual wear a year ago, the former deputy education minister has found time for his passion – photography. Nowadays, he seldom leaves home without his camera.
Rustic charm: A village scene taken during one of Hon’s trips to China. “Now that I have the time to slow down and appreciate life, I don’t want to miss capturing the beautiful moments,” enthuses the 60-year-old Hon, who has called it a day after more than two decades in politics.
Looking much younger than his age, he projected a cheerful demeanour during the interview in his hometown Seremban last month, exactly one year after his retirement from politics.
He also devotes his energy to blogging, and many of his photographs can be viewed online (ckhon.blogspot.com).
Magic dusk: A sunset scene taken in China. A picture is worth a thousand words, so the saying goes, and there is certainly more to photography in Hon’s eyes than just a pretty composition.
“I want to share my experiences with those who haven’t had the chance to visit certain places or interact with people around the world. Witnessing how people survive the harsh realities of life only makes me appreciate even more what I am blessed with.
“The world is so beautiful. There have been times when I have parked my car by the roadside just to snap pictures,” says the former MCA leader who is now a member of the Negri Sembilan Photo Society.
Shooting spree: Retired politician Hon now goes everywhere with his camera. Pursuing his passion has opened the door to a world of new experiences for Hon such as personally planning his trips, queueing to board AirAsia planes and jostling with other photographers to get the best angle.
Relating one of his trips to China, Hon says that he and three other friends opted for a RMB15 (RM7.50)-a-night homestay package, only to stay awake the entire night because of the cold. The package did not come with a heater.
And the next morning, he had to lug more than 10kg of photograhy equipment and walk at least 1km to board a bus to get to the foot of a mountain for a photo shoot.
From there, they were given two choices, either walk or ride a horse up the mountain. Hon, who chose to walk up, was visibly proud of his accomplishment during this expedition.
Quite a feat indeed for a man who used to have a bodyguard and chauffeur at his service when he was deputy minister.
He adds that he enjoys the simple life – something he had planned and looked forward to while he was still in office.
Awesome: Sunrise at a tea plantation in Cameron Highlands, Pahang. “In the past 22 years, my time was not mine. There were endless meetings, official events and Parliament sessions to attend. These days, I can control my own schedule and do the things I want without being duty-bound to do certain things,” Hon says.
“I even have a new circle of friends, mostly retired photographers. I also meet up with my old friends, including local (Negri Sembilan) MCA members.”
The affable politician saw a steady rise in MCA after he joined the party in 1976 – the same year he graduated with a social science degree from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Sea folk: A day in the life of a family of sea gypsiea in Semporna, Sabah. He went on to become an assemblyman and executive councillor in Negri Sembilan for two terms (1986 to 1995), MP for Seremban for three terms (1995 to 2008) and deputy education minister for two terms (1999 to March 2008).
Asked to describe a typical day in his life after retirement, Hon says: “I usually start my day walking in the garden. I’m totally relaxed in the mornings.”
The father of four children, now all in their 20s, lives with his wife and family in Seremban. For exercise, he climbs the nearby Victoria Hill in the evenings.
Lone boat: Sunset at second mile Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan His love for photography saw him and a group of photographers put up an exhibition in Banting, Selangor, last year. Hon hopes to publish a book on photography in the near future.
Also a talented singer, Hon who used to sing at parties and charity functions while he was in politics, says he seldom sings these days. Well, he may be out of the spotlight but he’s still humming a happy tune.
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