KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA Nov. 8, 2025 – In a heartfelt appeal to her constituents, state assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang has announced her bid for re-election in the N21 Kapayan seat, reflecting on five years of service and pledging renewed dedication to making the constituency a source of pride for all residents.
Addressing her “beloved Kapayan residents” in a bilingual message released today – in Malay and Mandarin to connect with the area’s diverse communities – Lasimbang reminisced about the profound trust bestowed upon her half a decade ago. “Five years ago, you gave me a trust of great significance: the mandate to listen to your voices, understand your needs, and carry our shared hopes forward,” she wrote.
From her first day in office, Lasimbang has anchored her tenure on a core promise: “Kapayan is our home. With all my heart, I will continue to ensure this home prospers, becoming a place we all proudly call ‘home.'” She emphasized that for her, politics is not about power but responsibility and service, fueled by an unwavering love for Kapayan that drives her daily commitment.
In her announcement, Lasimbang humbly sought a fresh mandate to extend this journey. “Today, with humility, I ask for your trust once again to continue this path with new hope, fresh spirit, and enduring love,” she stated. Her message culminated in a poignant rallying cry: “🏡Kapayan Haminku❤️ – Because this is where it all began, and this is where I will continue to serve.”
Kapayan, a bustling urban constituency in Kota Kinabalu blending residential neighborhoods, commercial hubs, and cultural landmarks, has been a stronghold for the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-PH alliance since the 2020 state polls. Lasimbang, representing Democratic Action Party (DAP) under the PH banner, secured the seat with a strong majority, focusing on community development, infrastructure improvements, and social welfare initiatives.
Her re-election bid comes as Sabah ramps up preparations for the state election, expected by mid-2026 but potentially earlier amid swirling political realignments. Analysts view Lasimbang’s personal, home-centric narrative as a strategic play to solidify support among Kapayan’s multicultural voters, particularly the Kadazan-Dusun, Chinese, and Bajau communities who value her approachable style and track record on local issues like affordable housing and youth empowerment.
“Precisely my love for Kapayan is the source of my strength and spirit every day to continue serving sincerely,” Lasimbang added in Mandarin, underscoring her cross-cultural outreach: “甘拜园是我们家❤️ – 因为一切从这里开始，我也将继续在这里为大家服务。”
As the campaign season heats up, Lasimbang’s emphasis on continuity and fresh energy positions her as a key PH figure in retaining urban seats crucial to the coalition’s Sabah strategy. Details on her full manifesto and campaign events are anticipated soon, with supporters already echoing her call to build a “prosperous home” for generations to come.
Jannie Lasimbang is the current State Assemblywoman for N21 Kapayan and a member of DAP.