BY NUR ATIQAH QURATULAINI
Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, known for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents, leads a life of multifaceted engagement, balancing his responsibilities as a public servant with cherished moments spent with family and personal interests.
Despite humble beginnings as an assemblyman, he remains resolute in his pursuit of progress and community service.
In a candid interview with New Sarawak Tribune, the Simanggang assemblyman shared insights into his leisure activities and guiding principles as a leader.
New Sarawak Tribune: Normally, how do you spend your leisure time?
Francis Harden: In the past, my leisure activities included football, hockey, futsal, and now, golf with friends. Weekends are usually spent in Sri Aman until Monday, cherishing quality time with my family, which is important to me.
New Sarawak Tribune: What values drive your decision-making as a leader?
Francis Harden: Being in politics means serving the people, regardless of race, religion, or culture. You want to develop your areas, so that the community will benefit from what you have done. When you achieve your goals, you will feel satisfied with it and not just that your supporters will follow you. So that’s why you need to deliver. So never give up and fight until the end.
New Sarawak Tribune: Do you like gardening?
Francis Harden: Of course. I started gardening before I started to work. I planted cocoa and it’s not a small gardening. I planted 3,000 cocoa trees, 2,000 pepper trees and I also planted pineapples.
New Sarawak Tribune: Have you gone overseas?
Francis Harden: I went to Australia a few times, like Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Of course,I went to New Zealand because it’s quite near. I also went to Korea, Japan and London. Last but not least, I went to Frankfurt and Switzerland. I’m about to go there again this year.
New Sarawak Tribune: Is there any reason why you like Australia very much?
Francis Harden: I went to Australia quite often because back in the day, I intended to go there for studies. But at that time I didn’t have that much financial support. I really want to continue my studies overseas and Australia is the target.
New Sarawak Tribune: Who is your celebrity crush?
Francis Harden: When I became an assemblyman, I started to learn how to sing. So, I admire Andrewson Ngalai. For English songs, I learned how to sing My Way by Frank Sinatra.
