Mah Siew Keong's victory in the Teluk Intan parliamentary by-election yesterday not only strengthened his position as the Gerakan president but also strengthened the position of the party which was considered as a "sunset party."

Mah said the victory proved that Gerakan was not a sunset party as had been claimed, but a party that would continue to grow with the support of all races.

"The Teluk Intan parliamenary by-election victory was very important for the party and BN. Many people said Gerakan was on the way down."