It was not BN, but Pakatan Harapan that played the race card in the Cameron Highlands by-election, according to Najib Abdul Razak.

In a Facebook post, the former premier pointed out instances where the ruling coalition allegedly resorted to racist sentiments and threats in the run-up to the polls.

"I don't understand why the DAP candidate (M Manogaran) is trying to accuse us (BN) of using the race and religion card to win in Cameron Highlands.

"It is not us who said that the Malays, Chinese, and Indians will not vote for an Orang Asli, as they don't even buy kuih from them. The DAP candidate himself said it," he pointed out.

Najib was referring to a remark Manogaran made earlier this month to illustrate that BN's strategy of fielding Orang Asli candidate Ramli Mohd Nor could backfire, as it would not necessarily secure Malay votes.

Following a backlash, the Harapan candidate apologised for the remark.

After his defeat to Ramli yesterday, Manogaran accused BN of playing up racial sentiments to win the by-election.

'Who 'threatened' the Orang Asli?

Najib also cited a remark by PKR senator Bob Manolan Mohd, who said that tok batin (village chiefs) who do not support Harapan risked losing their positions and salaries.

Like Manogaran, Bob Manolan also later apologised for his remark.

"It is not us who threatened Orang Asli tok batin that they will be removed if they don't support Harapan. That was a friend of the DAP candidate from PKR.

"The rakyat knows who is sincere, and who always lies for the sake of power," said the Pekan MP.

In another Facebook post, Najib also thanked PAS for facilitating the victory in Cameron Highlands.

"I am confident our cooperation will be become closer, for the sake of Malaysia's future," he said.

To Semenyih and beyond

Umno Wanita chief Noraini Ahmad, meanwhile, said that Ramli's win is a showcase of Umno and BN's continued relevance, adding that the cooperation with PAS had borne fruit.

"Thank you to Cameron Highlands voters who made the right choice by choosing Ramli as the first Orang Asli MP. I'm confident he will carry out his duty with full of dedication.

"To friends in PAS, thanks for the cooperation and trust given.

"Let's make this important victory as a good start to the next win the Semenyih by-election," said the Parit Sulong MP.

Yesterday, Ramli edged Manogaran by 3,238 votes, to record BN's first win since the general election last year.

Independent candidates Wong Seng Yee and Sallehudin Ab Talib garnered 276 votes and 314 votes each and lost their deposits.

The voter turnout was 68.79 percent, the highest in any of the by-elections held since last May's polls.