LEE YONG a Fun Chiew by race originated from Manchu China, arrived in Sabah (then North Borneo) in the 19th century (about 1800 ++) during the ruling of the Chinese Emperor. A civil war erupted between the Manchu followers and the Government ,declaring loss to the government forcing most of it’s leaders into hiding . LEE YONG was one of the Government Officials that fled in fear of prosecution. He escaped to North Borneo by boat.
Their boat capsized in mid-ocean but LEE YONG survived by clinging a broken beam from the sunken boat and reached safely in Labuan. He was availed by a chinese man who furnished him with shelter, food and clothing. He lived in Labuan for sometime and earned his living by becoming a laborer. He was prompt to learn the local language and soon departed to Api Api (Kota Kinabalu) after saving some money.
LEE YONG worked as a porter at Jesselton Wharf and soon proceed to Penampang aiming to conceive a small business as Barter ( Tomu ) trading was a mass business transaction during that time. He befriends with innumerable Kadazan community and in due time married to a Kadazan/Dusun girl.
LEE YONG was an accomplished man. With his knowledge attained from China, he introduced the local community the benefit of Guguzangan (Rice grinding mill) and the Kikizapan (Wind mill). An instrument to separate the rice from it’s husks. In addition, he manufacture yeast which is used for rice fermentation to generate Nasi (Lihing). And subsequently produce the local liquor famously recognize as Talak (Montoku).
His vocation range from producing and selling Guguzangan, Kikizapan , Talak and rice that was sold to both local and Chinese population. LEE YONG bought an amount of land in Penampang area (Mahandoi especially) where he settled down for the rest of his entire life.
He died at the age of 88 and was buried at Kg.Tulangis, Mahandoi cemetery.
LEE YONG was made well known from his wealth of his business accomplishment , his martial art skill and was respected by the kampung folks.
A tale about LEE YONG brought the ashes of his ancestors that purportedly possessed some mystical endowment have saved him during his calamity at sea during his dangerous journey. It is also believed that this ashes remains as Tai Pak Kung (Topikung) and recognized as Kim Hock’s family legacy.
At the passing of LEE YONG, he married 3 times of all whom are local Kadazan/Dusun Women and in total lavished him with 8 children and an uncountable number of grand,great-great grand children.
LEE YONG + LUMBAHOI (1st wife)
1. Linggian (d)
2. Longkiam (d)
3. Lee Buati (s)
4. Amui (s)
LEE YONG + MOTUHAM (2nd wife)
1. Koisiu (s)
2. Kodumbai (d)
LEE YONG + LANJAMA (3rd wife)
1. Untai (d)
2. Manggiu (s)
*** (d) Daughter / (s) Son
Source : Family Tree LEE YONG / Published by Sunduvan Lee Buati / 1998
Original Script by Sunduvan Authors 1998
Rewritten by Michele Richard
