The Barisan Nasional (BN) swept to a resounding victory in the 11 th general election, obliterating the country's most formidable opposition PAS.

In a brief victory speech, BN chairperson Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said this proved that the people accepted the visions and aims of the BN.

"We have more than a two-third majority and God willing it will increase," he said amidst roars of approval and chants of Hidup Pak Lah (Long Live Pak Lah)!

Abdullah was speaking to party supporters at the BN headquarters at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur after the BN tally of parliamentary seats hit 146 at 1.48am.

He said the election results proved that a majority of Malaysians entrust the BN with a mandate to keep the country stable and to form a government that will take it to greater heights.

The Muslim-based PAS has conceded defeat in Terengganu, one of the two states under the control of the opposition party. Meanwhile, it may be on the verge of losing Kelantan, although both sides are claiming victory.

At press time, PAS said it had won 24 out of the 45 state seats while BN is claiming victory in 23 seats. The final result will be decided by a recount of six seats.

To date, the opposition has won only 16 out of 219 seats in Parliament - DAP 11, PAS 5, Keadilan 0. This represents a crushing defeat as they had won 41 seats in the 1999 elections - DAP 10, PAS 26 and Keadilan 5.

The final tally will however be determined by a recount in five seats - Permatang Pauh (Penang), Kota Melaka (Malacca), Bukit Bintang (Kuala Lumpur), Ipoh Barat and Batu Gajah (Perak).

Keadilan leader Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who was earlier reported to have been defeated in Permatang Pauh, has won on two recounts by 27 and 28 votes respectively. There will be a third recount in the morning.

Tribute to Mahathir

Abdullah also paid tribute to his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad, saying that the people have realised that BN had a proven track record as illustrated by the success achieved under the former premier.

He also thanked Mahathir ( photo ) for the smooth transition of power. Abdullah took over the premiership last November.

He touched on his commitment to eradicate corruption and bureaucracy in the public sector, evoking thunderous applause from the audience

Abdullah, 63, said this election was also significant because the younger generation had come forward to support the BN.

He pledged to ensure that the elected BN representatives would deliver their best to the people.

"This is our commitment," he stressed, eliciting another round of applause.

He then expressed gratitude to the police, for maintaining security so that voters could exercise their right, as well as the Election Commission, before ending his speech with a shout of ' Hidup Barisan '.