CALL it destiny but David Hii’s story encapsulates the power of transformation and redemption as candidly as it can get.
At the age of 57, Hii who comes from Sibu, vividly recalls his journey from being a gang leader and drug addict to a respected community advocate and volunteer speaker.
Born into a life marked by hardship, his early years were spent entrenched in the underworld, leading a gang and indulging in various vices.
His involvement with drugs, began in 1995 when he was just 28.
Hii said he was rich at the age of 28 and often travelled to Kuala Lumpur, for karaoke and nightclub visits which saw him mingling with fellow gangs.
At the time, Hii said he was introduced to drugs and became addicted to it.
“My dependency on drugs only worsened over time, leading to a downward spiral that affected both my physical and mental health.
Turning Point
In 2013, Hii’s life took a dramatic turn when he suffered a severe injury after falling from a ladder while renovating his house.
“The accident left me with a fractured spine and chronic pain. Despite continuing to use drugs to cope with the pain, I found no relief.
“By 2014, the excruciating pain forced me to stop using drugs and seek medical treatment. My journey to recovery was long and arduous, involving extended stays in medical centres and numerous treatments that yielded little improvement,” he said.
Encounter with Faith
The turning point came in 2015 when Hii encountered Jesus Christ. His initial prayers for healing were driven by a desire for revenge against those who had wronged him.
“However, my plans for retribution were disrupted when I was arrested and jailed in June 2015. It was during my time in jail that I experienced a profound spiritual awakening.
“Encouraged by a voice, I prayed for forgiveness for my enemies, including my sister. One morning, after such a prayer, I woke pain-free, a moment I regard as a miraculous healing,” said Hii.
He then made the decision to cease all involvement in drug and gangster activities, shifting his focus towards spiritual and religious pursuits.
“Upon my release from jail on Aug 26, I dedicated myself to a new life of sobriety and service.
“I apologised to my family and sought to make amends for my past actions,” he said.
Determined to stay away from his old lifestyle, Hii began volunteering and sharing his story to help others struggling with addiction.
He joined the Methodist Church, where he found a supportive community and continued his spiritual growth.
Advocacy and Counseling
Since 2017, Hii has been actively involved in counseling drug addicts, leveraging his personal experiences to guide and support others.
“It is very important to stay away from old friends and environments that encourage drug use, embrace religion, and spend more time with our family.
“I always remind others that we must embrace learning in religion, regardless of which religion, because religion indeed teaches us good things and keeps us away from evil deeds that bring harm to ourselves and our families,” said Hii.
His efforts were particularly impactful during the Covid-19 pandemic, as more individuals sought his guidance.
“My counseling approach includes encouraging clients to enter rehabilitation centres, which I believe significantly increases their chances of recovery.
“Rehabilitation centres, either private centre or government, have changed the lives of many an addict.
“Entering a rehabilitation centre means their chances of changing are indeed high. So, we recommend entering a rehabilitation centre so that during their time there, they can stay away from their friends for a while. In rehabilitation centres, the programme typically lasts for 18 months,” he said.
Hii also said that, during the pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO), he could not conduct physical talks, so he began giving presentations over Zoom in 2021.
“I started my journey in Sarawak, beginning from Kuching, to raise awareness about online gambling and drug abuse. My efforts aimed to prevent youth from succumbing to the same vices that once ensnared me,” he said.
Impact on Health and Legacy
Hii acknowledges the long-term effects of his drug use, particularly on his memory.
“However, I remain physically healthy and committed to my mission. I continue to educate myself about the dangers of drugs and participate in various courses to enhance my counseling skills.
“I hope my story of redemption and transformation serves as an inspiration to many, proving that change is possible even after a life of crime and addiction,” he added.
Hii’s journey from gangster leader to community advocate highlights the power of faith, forgiveness and resilience.
His dedication to helping others break free from addiction and his commitment to living a reformed life underscore the profound impact one individual can have on their community.
Recently, Hii was invited as a speaker for the Anti-Drug Education Campaign organised by I-Youth Kuching from June 11-21, targetting schools and communities.
He shared is life story and educated young people about the different types of drugs and their health effects.
Hii’s participation was assisted by his personal assistant, Joseph Ungkah, who translated.
“By working closely with schools and communities to share information and join hands in the fight against drugs, we hope to reduce the drug problem and build a caring and healthy society,” he said.
In 2022, Hii was also a speaker at the Anti-Drug and Anti-Gambling programme organised by the State Social Welfare and Community Service Committee.
Hii’s outreach continues to resonate, offering hope to those ensnared by addiction and guiding vulnerable youth away from destructive paths.
