Kota Kinabalu: Parti Impian Sabah (PIS) became the first to unveil its manifesto ahead of the coming state election, outlining 14 pledges aimed at ensuring Sabah’s natural wealth benefits all.
Its candidates would include those with Filipino and Indonesian ancestry.
Party President Michel Alok said despite Sabah’s vast natural resources, its enormous wealth has not been felt by the people, but by outsiders and corrupt past leaders.
He stressed that PIS’ vision is to restore fairness and integrity in governance, claiming to be the only party in Sabah to take an anti-corruption oath before the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“If given the mandate, we will ensure that the riches of Sabah are felt by every Sabahan. All the party’s promises fall within the jurisdiction of the state government and can be implemented without depending on federal funding,” he said.
The two-year-old party has identified 70 candidates and expects to contest all 73 seats. The line-up includes a mix of young, middle-aged and senior candidates, none of whom are “recycled” former assemblymen as well as several women and representatives from 11 ethnic groups, including those of Indonesian and Filipino descent.
In his speech, Michel also said that economic reform would be a major focus for PIS.
“We want to change the current economic triangle where the largest group, the B40, sits at the bottom, into a diamond shape by expanding the middle class and increasing the T20 while reducing the B40,” he said.
On political cooperation, Michel revealed having met with four local party presidents, but declined to name them.
He said the meetings were aimed at fostering future collaboration post-election to unite Sabah’s local parties in realising the people’s aspirations.
“I told them that after the election, regardless of the outcome, we should sit together and work to fulfil the dreams of the people of Sabah.
“This is not about forming a coalition or sharing ideologies, it’s about working together for the sake of Sabah,” he said.
Michel said PIS is aiming for a two-thirds majority, saying there is a growing public sentiment for “new, clean leaders and a new political culture.”He also addressed calls for more young candidates, saying that age does not determine integrity or leadership quality.
“Being young doesn’t automatically mean one can lead or deliver the people’s dreams. Some older leaders have integrity, compassion, and the heart to realise the aspirations of the youth. What matters most is sincerity and vision, not age,” he said.
Michel reaffirmed that while PIS embraces the “Sabah for Sabahans” spirit, it remains committed to inclusivity within Malaysia.
“Priority should go to Sabahans in jobs and business opportunities but we must also recognise that we are part of a larger Malaysian family.
“All Sabah political leaders must work towards the realisation of the people’s dream, one that has been long delayed for 60 years,” he said.