M’sian ex-dolphin trainer becomes Aussie MP 20 years after migrating

KUALA LUMPUR – A former dolphin trainer who was born in Johor has become an MP in Australia, two decades after he migrated to the land down under.

Sam Lim, who hails from Muar, was largely considered an underdog in the race for the Tangney seat in south Perth, but the Labour party candidate managed to unseat outgoing prime minister Scott Morrison’s close friend and adviser Ben Morton, who previously held a margin of 9.5%, reported ABC News.

Following the win, Lim, who moved to Australia in 2002, found himself explaining his offbeat journey to becoming federal MP to the Australian media today.

He told reporters that even though he always dreamed of serving in the police force since childhood, the salary for the boys in blue in Malaysia was so low that he began his career training dolphins at a safari park, describing it as his “best job ever”.

“I loved it because dolphins are so genuine,” he was quoted as saying.

“Dolphins never hurt you. If you feel hurt, you jump into the swimming pool and the dolphin will come to you and try to comfort you. That was the best part of my career.”

However, Lim said he was forced to switch careers after the safari park closed down due to financial woes.

He further shared his tough childhood where he spent his first 15 years of life struggling due to his family’s impoverished conditions.

“When I had to fight to win this seat, I utilised all the determination I gained in the first 15 years of my life and I achieved it,” Lim, who speaks 10 languages, said.

Following his departure from the park, Lim went on to build a small business, and his success with it led to his young family’s relocation to Australia.

However, Lim said he felt saddened to part ways with the dolphins, but felt “very happy” that they were “back to their home”.

In 2006, Lim finally realised his lifelong dream and joined the West Australian police force, and was in 2020 named officer of the year award for his work with multicultural communities facing the Covid-19 pandemic. – The Vibes, May 22, 2022