It's obvious that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has lost his grip on the political realities in Malaysia, so much so that he has been giving nonsensical reasons for his party's performances in last week's by-elections.

On the night of the result of the Pendang and Anak Bukit by-elections in Kedah, he was heard saying on national television that Umno has regained the support of the voters in the two constituencies and that the results proved that he has 'succeeded' in bringing Malay Malaysians back into the Umno fold. That was his first illusion.

The next morning, he saw it fit to condemn all the voters there as 'fanatical' and 'unwise'. He seemed to have been enlightened overnight about the real implications of the results, and had his illusion shattered.

He then proceeded to denounce PAS for the 'underhanded' tactics in the elections. Apparently, PAS supporters had 'harassed' and 'intimidated' voters until they dared not go out to vote. That was his second illusion.

Mahathir obviously failed to notice how ridiculous his statement was, given that a record turnout of 86 percent of voters actually went to the polling stations in what appeared to be a peaceful process. Indeed, he also failed to note that it was the Barisan Nasional candidate in Anak Bukit who had slapped the face of a non-Malay opposition party campaigner.

Later, Mahathir and Umno leaders were heard saying that these two areas have 'always' been a PAS stronghold, hence the 'fanatical' supporters. That was the third illusion. They may have forgotten that before the late Fadzil Noor won the seats in 1999, the constituencies have always been under Umno's rule.

PAS won the seats for the first time in 1999 when the majority Malay Malaysians became disenchanted with Umno following Anwar Ibrahim's sack. Prior to that, Pendang and Anak Bukit have always been Umno's strongholds, despite what Mahathir and Umno leaders may say now.

It is obvious that Umno have lost credibility and support among the Malays, and there is nothing Mahathir can do to regain the people's confidence in him. He may pour millions of ringgit and exploit the services of every government machinery and media to continually insult PAS. He can even use the platform of Hari Peladang (Farmers Day) to campaign in his home state — but the people have proven that they are not easily fooled.

Before Mahathir comes up with any more ridiculous justifications for Umno's loss and blame the voters, he should take a long hard look at himself in the mirror and realise that it is he who has betrayed the hopes and aspirations of the entire nation. He must shoulder full responsibility for the state of affairs.

Congratulations to the voters of Pendang and Anak Bukit for proving that the people's power still matters and in humbling those whose responsibility were to serve us, but who have forgotten that as they wallow in their own self-importance and arrogance.