comment We can expect everyone to be pouring through the numbers trying to ascertain what conclusions can be drawn from the (Hulu Selangor) by-election, some maybe clutching at the slightest hint of a silver lining. Let there be no doubt, this was a crucial by-election - one that the PM himself acknowledged as a referendum of his leadership.

But first things first, it gave BN the opportunity to win its first parliamentary by-election since the 12th general election (GE). We realised early on that a BN victory here would mean a statement of intent - not just in recapturing Selangor at the next general election but also reclaiming a two- thirds majority in Parliament.