BN had spent over RM100 million to secure its victory in the Hulu Selangor parliamentary by-election, claims PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

hulu selangor by-election 240410 pakatan kkb stadium ceramah anwar 02 In a statement today, Anwar ( right ) said that despite having to fork out an average of RM65,000 per voter coupled with the Election Comission's failure to ensure free and fair elections, police intimidation and attempts to prevent voters from voting, BN only managed to win by a thin majority.

"This means that BN has learned nothing since the March 2008 election. Character assassination, racism, bribery and brute force may help to win one or two by-elections, but the people of Malaysia will not be deceived," he said.

Taking the party's defeat in stride, Anwar pointed out that PKR succeeded in increasing its popular support in Hulu Selangor but acknowldged its shortcomings.

" We know we have to do more to reach out to our supporters in the rural heartland, particularly in the Felda settlements. I am committed to this challenge and my resolve is unwavering," he said.

may 13 forum 140507 syed husin ali PKR deputy president Syed Husin Ali ( right) expressed similar sentiments in a statement today, saying that the party was heartened that it was able to make headway amongst the voters despite the overwhelming odds.

"We were able to make significant advances amongst the voters, especially those in the Felda settlements, and to make a mockery of the proud boast by the BN that they would win with a majority of over 3,000," he said.

"We take that as a sign that our policies and programmes, even after a mere two years, have brought benefits to the people," he added.

Syed Husin further pointed out that the 1,725-vote majority garnered by BN is a far cry from the collective 6000-vote majority it won in the three state seats within the constituency in 2008.

"Najib has nothing to celebrate," he said.