Semenyih result sends a message to Harapan, says DPM
The result of the Semenyih by-election is a message for Pakatan Harapan to study issues deeply, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.
Wan Azizah, the Harapan president, said the coalition has to know what is needed to win in a by-election or a general election.
“We have a democratic system, we have a choice and we want the people to know that we are doing our best for them,” she told reporters after the 2019 Chinese New Year open house for Port Dickson.
She said this when commenting on the result of yesterday's by-election, which saw BN candidate Zakaria Hanafi winning the four-cornered contest a majority of 1,914 votes.
Zakaria defeated Harapan candidate Muhammad Aiman Zainali, who polled 17,866 votes, PSM' Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul (847 votes) and independent Kuan Chee Heng (725 votes).
'Sentiments reflected'
Meanwhile, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said the results of the Semenyih polls reflected the feelings of the people, especially those of the Malay community.
“We must take (the sentiments) into account, but we must continue with our tasks.
"I am confident that with a little time, the people will understand why we take necessary measures in implementing our programmes.
“We must also remember that the nature of the constituents is important for us to study."
Anwar said that in the democratic process, the government respected the decision made by the people.
“The Selangor government is still strong under Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari and the federal government under Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“It is my opinion that Malaysia must continue with the spirit of the (Federal) Constitution, which promises to preserve the position of Islam and the Malays, but the government must also be firm in preserving racial harmony.
"Harapan must represent the sentiments and needs and aspirations of all races,” he said.
Asked whether Mahathir's aura had disappeared following the two straight by-election defeats, Anwar said it was inappropriate to make such an interpretation.
“Because Cameron Highlands is not a seat held by Harapan, we accept it.
“The Semenyih by-election gave a picture that there are several problems that we have yet to resolve," he stressed.
Earlier the Port Dickson MP said the government under the leadership of Mahathir was endeavouring to bring changes to the people, but it was not possible to see the outcome within a period of several months.
“People ask me what is the biggest success achieved by Harapan under Mahathir.
"I say that the biggest success was that we managed to save the country from a government that was committing major robberies of the national income – not a minor robbery, not stealing chicken, but stealing national wealth."
'People's right and voice'
Harapan deputy president Lim Guan Eng, meanwhile, said that the coalition accepts its candidate's failure to defend the state seat.
Lim described the result as the right and voice of the people in selecting their representative in the area.
“I accept the result from the people. This is the people’s right and voice.
"The expectation is that BN will fulfil their promises and statements made in the by-election.
“For Harapan, we will continue to unite the people,” he told reporters after an event in George Town.
- Bernama
Lower voter turnout from non malays, PH supporters holding back votes and protest votes caused this loss. Bossku is just a novelty. Time to step up but a good kick up PH backside.
It's a loud and clear message to Tun M and PH. You guys seemed to be another NATO (No Action & Talk Only) when comes to addressing two pressing issues of high cost of living and leadership integrity. Don't forget that these were the two main reasons why the rakyats put you in power in the first place. People are getting fed up and beginning to lose confidence with PH very slow action in addressing people's real economic sufferings and the urgency in putting all the BIG theives who have robbed the people's hard earned monies behind bars. Despite the severity of the integrity chargers, nobody is being send to jail yet. After more than eight months in office, we are seeing PH leaders to be putting a 'persona' and playing a 'sandiwara.' You are not serious in fulfilling your promises made to the rakyats! You're just acting like the previous BN government. I bet PH will face another defeat in the next by-election if you keep on giving lots of lame excuses in addressing the high cost of living problems and letting all the BIG and BLOODY theives roaming around the country freely and later playing a victim game. Time is of essence and PH need to wake up. You need to be seen as more aggressive and serious to address the two BIG problems raised.
The message is a new PM. The old policies,the recycling of old comrades,the over-emphasize of Malay agendas,lack of will/courage for real reform, and broken promises are Mahathir's failure. Harapan needs new PM and new direction. Time to promote young and talented Malays(perhaps below 45 year old) to lead all department in gomen institutions and GLCs. Time to recruit the Nons to lead some of those departments ,if Harapan is truly sincere in meaningful reform.Gone are the days of recycling the old comrades with the hidden agenda to ensure the continuation of racist policies. Malaysia needs young blood to revive our economy. If Harapan can ensure a good living standard for the Malays,racism will be soon forgotten,no matter how PAS-Umno try to instigate. I am sure the Malay does not mind the Chinese driving Mercedes,if they themselves drive BMW.Reform and change the country.
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