Kota Kinabalu: Newly formed Parti Impian Sabah (PIS) named candidates for all 73 seats in the Nov 29 Sabah election, saying the people are now wiser and no longer easily swayed by money politics.
PIS president Michel Alok said although the party is not wealthy, it has “plenty of saliva,” referring to speaking directly to the people.
“The same strategy worked for PBS against Berjaya in 1985, when even cash and rice failed to buy the people’s support,” he said.
He admits the perception of PIS being a “mosquito party” likely to lose its deposits, given that most of its members are middle-class Sabahans “dreaming of becoming the government.”
“Even former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, despite his long rule and wealth, lost his deposit under Pejuang because he failed his own people. Sabahans now want leaders who come from among them,” Michel said.
Women and youth make up eight per cent of the lineup, with the youngest being 33-year-old Royston Adven, who will contest in Bongawan.
Dr Julia Ongkili, daughter of former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Parliamentary Affairs) Datuk Dr James Ongkili, will seek to reclaim her father’s legacy in Tamparuli, while Michel himself is set to contest in Telupid.
Michel expects the large youth voting bloc, which makes up 52 per cent of voters, to push for change.
He said PIS is raising funds to meet the Election Commission’s RM100,000 spending limit per candidate.
Foreseeing Upko’s recent withdrawal from Pakatan Harapan, Michel said the move opens new space for emerging local parties like PIS.
“That’s why voters, especially the young, should not give another chance to those who have failed. It’s time to choose new faces,” he said.
