Jannie Lasimbang

• Grassroots & NGO work: Over 40 years of experience championing indigenous rights through organizations like PACOS Trust, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, and the Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia.
• Served as UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) member (2008–2013).
• Commissioner, Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) from 2010–2013, leading a national inquiry into indigenous land rights.
  
• Entered politics in 2017 and won the Kapayan seat in 2018.
  • Appointed Assistant Minister and later an influential party leader in DAP.
  • Active in advocating policies for women, native laws, underage marriage reform, waste management, and increased female political representation.

• Chairperson of the Rural Development Corporation (KPD) of Sabah, appointed in February 2023.
  
• Member of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Kapayan since May 2018, winning with significant majorities in both 2018 and 2020 elections.
  
• Served as Sabah Assistant Minister of Law and Native Affairs from May 2018 to September 2020.
  
• Held key party leadership roles:
  • International Secretary of DAP (March 2022 – March 2025).
    
  • State Vice-Chairperson of DAP Sabah, starting October 2024.

Criminal Charges under the Peaceful Assembly Act (Bersih 4.0)
Jannie Lasimbang, a prominent human rights and indigenous rights advocate, was charged for organizing the Bersih 4.0 rally in Kota Kinabalu in August 2015—allegedly for failing to provide 10 days’ notice under the Peaceful Assembly Act. While initially acquitted, the decision was overturned by the High Court, drawing criticism from Amnesty International and others who characterized the prosecution as selective and a form of judicial harassment. ARTICLE 19amnesty.myMalaysiakini

Internal DAP Power Struggles and Ouster (2021)
In November 2021, Jannie was unexpectedly dropped from Sabah DAP’s line-up—an ouster internal sources and a former senator attribute to factional power plays within the party. Jannie asserted her continued commitment to representing indigenous and Sabahan voices, despite the setback.The Star+1

Critiques of GRS and PAS Inclusion (2020)
As Sabah DAP Women’s chief, she openly criticized the decision by PBS and STAR to remain in GRS after the inclusion of PAS into the state-level coalition—calling on them to withdraw in protest. She also lamented the chronic underrepresentation of women in ministerial roles.Malay Mail

Protecting Women and Children: Policy Advocacy
In a 2025 assembly session, Lasimbang called for stronger laws and greater funding to protect women and children—especially in areas impacted by customary law. She advocated for legislating against domestic violence, sexual harassment, and child marriage.The Star

Championing Access to Basic Services & Reducing Misinformation
She emphasized that elected representatives should not be gatekeepers for public services—urging smoother delivery by authorities, and pushing for legislation like the anti-hopping law. She also highlighted the urgency of increased support for victims of domestic abuse, including funding for safehouses and legal aid.The Vibes