This was apparent during his first walkabout at two markets and a business establishment here today.
He conducted himself with ease, considering that he is a well-known local philantropist who has been involved with the locals for years.
Folks greeted him warmly as he engaged with the traders, with locals flocking to him to air their grouses.
Talking to FMT during his walkabout, the adviser for the East Malaysian United Hawkers Association said he had helped to upgrade the two markets, Krokop 10 and Tamu Pujut Corner.
“I always help the people,” he said, smiling.
“I only come here to see them. They have known me for a long time. Even if I lose, I will come back here.”
Having joined Sibu SUPP in 2006, Hii became a member of the Piasau branch in 2012.
While he may not be active in the party, Hii welcomed the opportunity to contest in the 11th Sarawak Election with glee.
At the Krokop 10 market earlier today, Hii had a friendly run-in with three DAP candidates; Allan Ting, Bob Baru Langub and his challenger for the Pujut seat, Ting Tiong Choon.
At the Tamu Pujut Corner, Hii was approached by several locals who wanted to speak to him on various issues.
One woman, Norhayati Abdullah, took the opportunity to ask him for help in applying for public housing as she was confused with the requirements.
“I don’t know how to ask for help,” said the woman who was then given assistance by one of Hii’s officers.
Another local trader, who only wanted to be known as Mr Ku, said Hii and his men had been helping the folks at the market for a long time.
“Any problems, I just call for Datuk’s men,” Ku told FMT, motioning to one of Hii’s staff.
Ku said that while the market was now better, it needed better security as there had been recent thefts inside the area.
“If we have just one guard to help at night, it would help with the problem,” Ku added.
Meanwhile, at night, Hii visited the Imperial Mall where he met scores of small business owners, with the locals giving him the same friendly treatment he had been getting all day.
Hii is set to face Ting in the election on May 7, as well as Sarawak PAS commissioner Joffri Jarainee and incumbent Fong Pau Teck, who is running as an independent after being fired from DAP in 2013.