Charles tells govt to address living cost to halt 'green wave'

Following Pakatan Harapan's crushing defeat in the Padang Serai polls, Charles Santiago has urged the government to manage the cost of living crisis to mitigate the rise of "political Islam" and stop the "green wave".

The former DAP lawmaker said all ministers must be on the same page with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on this matter.

“Anwar has kickstarted this initiative but all cabinet ministers must also make people’s agenda their priority,” he added in a statement this afternoon.

Charles (above) said Perikatan Nasional's colossal win does not come as a surprise because there has been a similar pattern in the Malay northern belt.

“It signals the persuasive green wave, which is worrying, and indicates Harapan has a lot more work to do to shift ground sentiments,” he added in a statement posted on Twitter today.

In yesterday’s election, PN candidate Azman Nasrudin won the parliamentary seat in Kedah, which PKR had controlled for three terms, with a majority of 16,260 votes.

PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin described the victory as a vote of no confidence against the new federal government.

The coalition, which comprises PAS, has won 13 out of 14 parliamentary seats in Kedah and all seats in Perlis, Kelantan, and Terengganu - a phenomenon that some observers described as "PN’s northern crescent".

The coalition now has 74 seats in Dewan Rakyat.

The polling for the Padang Serai seat was postponed after the former incumbent from PKR M Karupaiyah died three days before the Nov 19 general election.

Following Harapan and BN forming an alliance, MIC’s candidate C Sivarraajh withdrew from the race to boost Harapan’s chances.

PN supporters 'adopt' Harapan GE15 theme song

Harapan to propose Lanang MP as deputy speaker

Muhyiddin: Padang Serai result a 'no-confidence vote' against govt

YOURSAY | It’s time PN behave like the opposition

PM’s Dept denies Ismail Sabri's appointment as Petronas chairperson

MIC will not accept any deputy minister post