The success of the BN in the two by-elections yesterday reflected an encouraging trend for the coalition with growing support from the voters.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said that with the growing support from the voters, including the non-Malays, BN would continue efforts to further strengthen its performance in implementing the promises made to the people.

"As we go along, we are able to prove that whatever we have promised, we can deliver. I believe we can further raise the support level.

"Whatever issues raised by the opposition could not be accepted by the people because they are looking more at a guaranteed future for themselves.

"They are confident that the BN can fulfill their aspirations and expectations to enjoy a better quality of life," he told reporters after the opening of the first meeting of the fourth term of the 12th Parliament by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at Parliament house today.

Najib said support from the non-Malay voters towards the BN was also encouraging, in fact, they were spontaneous in showing their fondness for the BN.

He said the BN success in both by-elections were based on several factors, including the stronger BN election machinery and the selection of a suitable candidate.

Thus, he said, the 'winnable  candidate' criteria would continue to be emphasised by the BN in determining candidates for the election.

He said the people were also watching with suspicion the leadership crisis in the opposition parties which were not in line with their loose pact.

"PAS is under pressure. The religious issue played up by PAS is not acceptable. Their ties with the DAP which is too comfortable is viewed with suspicion by the Malays," he said.

   

Najib said Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim too had no longer brought any positive impact to the opposition. On the other hand, he has become a liability to the opposition.

"I hear that PAS has also told Anwar not to appear in the by-elections. There is a SMS (short messaging service) telling him not to come," he said.

In the by-election for the Merlimau state seat in Melaka yesterday, BN retained the seat through Roslan Ahmad who defeated Yuhaizad Abdullah from PAS with a majority of 3,643 votes. Roslan polled 5,962 votes while Yuhaizad had 2,319.

In the Kerdau state seat by-election, BN's Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad defeated the PAS candidate Hasannudin Salim with a 2,724-vote majority. Syed Ibrahim, who is also Kuala Krau Umno division vice-head, garnered 5,060 votes while Hassanudin received 2,336.

When asked whether the success augured well for the Sarawak state government to hold the state election, Najib however said, the by-election was different from the general election because it took into consideration several factors including local issues.

- Bernama