I do not agree with the 'push' factor theory expounded. If you were to analyse the actual votes garnered by PAS in this by-elections, the figures are about the same. In Anak Bukit 8,298 now as opposed to 8,480 then and in Pendang 22,825 as compared to 22,413.

Anak Bukit had a larger voter turnout by about six percent and this works out roughly to be the extra votes that BN managed to garner.

A simpler conclusion would therefore be that either previously apathetic supporters of BN came out to vote this time or there is some truth to the phantom voters allegation of PAS. PAS may also have lost many Chinese votes.

In Pendang the eligible voters have reduced by 260 from 1999 and voter turnout has increased to 86% from 81%. It is almost the same scenario in Anak Bukit.

A better conclusion to me would be that PAS has not lost ground nor made new ground and that BN has managed to 'find' new voting supporters.