Lim said his election showed that Bersatu “isn’t just for Malays, but is open to all”. It also showed that West Malaysian members had no issue with Sabahans being part of the leadership.

He said the fact he was voted into the leadership council of a Bumiputera-based party despite his name made his victory a little more significant.

“My name gives the impression I am Chinese, but I am in fact Sino-Kadazan (part Chinese and part Kadazan). In Sabah, it’s a little different compared to West Malaysia, where we have Chinese names but are in fact Bumiputera.”

Lim, who is head of the Tawau division, was the only non-Muslim directly elected to the Supreme Council. Another non-Muslim, Ronald Kiandee, is on the council as a party vice-president.

Lim said he had decided to stand on the advice of then secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin and Kiandee, a fellow Sabahan.

Lim secured the 18th spot, with two other Sabahans, Yunus Nurdin (Libaran division) and Affan Jumahat (Kudat), securing the 17th and seventh spot respectively.

Lim was previously a youth leader with the Liberal Democratic Party, a party once led by former Sabah chief minister Chong Kah Kiat.