Parti Impian Sabah’s electoral debut a ‘victory of trust’ despite losing all deposits, says treasurer

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 30): Parti Impian Sabah’s (PIS) electoral debut was not a victory of numbers but a victory of trust from voters who supported a movement built without major sponsors or political machinery, said party treasurer Michelle Chin Ling Ling.

Chin, who contested the Kapayan seat in the 17th Sabah state elections, thanked the 487 voters who backed her and said those who supported the party’s other first-time candidates had shown confidence in a team of ordinary Sabahans determined to push for political reform.

Chin said this trust meant more than the vote totals, which she described as the beginning of a long journey for a party that started from nothing and fought to secure legal status to contest.

“The election was the planting of a single grain of wheat that must fall to the ground before it produces many seeds, and this first step will one day grow into real change,” she said in a statement.

She highlighted that all 72 PIS candidates funded their own campaigns and continued despite knowing they might lose their deposits.

She said the party had no big donors and even attempts to mortgage land for loans were rejected, but the candidates pressed on to show that political participation should not be limited to those with money.

“One commenter said that a brand new party received higher votes than some other new parties in many areas.

“This is not a coincidence. It is because voters were willing to give us a chance and to trust ordinary people who want to fight for Sabah’s future,” she said.

Chin said the party’s campaign was strengthened by every warm smile, encouragement and moment of engagement from voters, adding that the support deepened her conviction that Sabah deserves a better future built on anti corruption, fair development and a long term vision for prosperity.

She thanked supporters for recognising the party’s sincerity during its most difficult moments and said their encouragement assured her that the party was not walking alone.

Chin also spoke about personal challenges over the past two years, saying she faced internal and external pressures which at times forced her to file police reports.

She said prayer kept her strong and she believed that God had protected and renewed her strength throughout the journey.

“With a heart full of gratitude, I give glory to God and to every friend who supported and encouraged me,” she said.

Chin said the party would continue working toward the day Sabah “rises, prospers and sees real transformation,” driven by the hope placed in them by voters.

All 72 PIS candidates who contested in the recently concluded state election had lost their deposits.