KOTA KINABALU: Parti Impian Sabah (PIS) has announced candidates for all 73 state seats on Monday, ahead of the upcoming state election, pledging to rely on grassroots engagement instead of money politics.
President Michel Alok said that while the party lacked financial strength, it would focus on speaking directly to the people, similar to how PBS overcame Berjaya in 1985.
He admitted that some have dismissed PIS as a “mosquito party” likely to lose deposits but insisted the movement reflects the aspirations of ordinary Sabahans seeking self-governance.
Among the candidates are 33-year-old Royston Adven in Bongawan and Tan Sri James Ongkili's daughter Julia Ongkili in Tamparuli, with Michel himself contesting in Telupid, while women and youth make up eight per cent of the lineup.
Michel said the party is fully prepared for nomination day, confident that the youth voting bloc will drive change, and welcomed Upko’s exit from Pakatan Harapan (PH) as a new opportunity for local parties like PIS.