Prime Minister Najib Razak described BN candidate P Kamalanathan's win in the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat by-election today as a shift in people's support in favour of BN.

He said the victory meant a lot for BN as it had contested in an opposition-ruled state and the seat was also held by the opposition before this by-election.

NONE "The win is very meaningful because if we look at the 2008 general election results and today's outcome, the nearly 2,000-vote majority shows that a swing in support for BN has taken place," he said after the by-election result was announced at the multi-purpose hall of the Hulu Selangor District Sports Complex in Kuala Kubu Bahru here tonight.

"I am delighted with this election result and it will certainly provide us with a strong impetus to continue with the reforms that we have in mind," said Najib.

"It's a good beginning for the BN, it's a good beginning for the new direction that we have for this nation."

"I believe that we are on the right track, on the right trajectory and we will continue with what people want to see," he added.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who is also BN deputy chairman and Umno deputy president, the prime minister's wife Rosmah Mansor, and leaders of BN component parties.

Kamalanathan won the by-election with a 1,725-vote majority after garnering 24,997 votes, defeating Datuk Zaid Ibrahim from PKR who obtained 23,272 votes.

Voters reject Pakatan, says PM

Najib, who is also Umno president and BN chairman, said the victory also meant that the residents of Hulu Selangor also rejected the opposition's politicking ways.

"It means that if they (opposition) spread lies and slander, the voters know which is true and which is false."

He said BN through Kamalanathan as the new member of parliament for Hulu Selangor would work earnestly to fulfil the trust, hopes and expectations of the people here.

"This is their trust in BN that we must view seriously and pay attention to it, and fulfil not just the promises made but also their hopes and aspirations in all aspects, whether it's development or welfare," he said.

Najib thanked the BN by-election machinery headed by Muhyiddin and all the BN component parties whether at the branch, divisional or state level, as well as other quarters who helped BN secure victory in the by-election.

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