KKB victory shows coalition govt's strength, leaders say

KKB BY-ELECTION | After winning the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke believed the win was a sign of the coalition government’s strength.

Speaking to the media after attending PKR’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, Loke added that most votes going to Pakatan Harapan proved that Kuala Kubu Baharu voters are still with the coalition.

He said he advised Pang Sock Tao to start working immediately to boost the constituency’s economy.

“Besides connecting the state government and its people, Pang must also work on other agendas, including reviving the local economy.

“Among her big agenda is working on the Kuala Kubu Baharu eco-tourism,” he said.

Surpassing expectations

Loke highlighted the remarkable win by Pang, which surpassed analysts’ projections of a narrow victory for Harapan.

Pang secured approximately 14,000 votes and a commanding lead of over 3,800 votes.

“Some analysts said Harapan will win but with only a 1,000-vote majority.

“Our win today had exceeded the expectations of other parties. No analyst predicted this,” he added.

He appreciated the party’s machinery for their diligent efforts in engaging the public, acknowledging their pivotal role in this win.

MIC deputy president M Saravanan attributed the victory to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s strategic collaboration among Harapan, Umno, and MIC.

He noted that Anwar’s approach resulted in Harapan securing an early lead, aided by Orang Asli’s votes.

During the campaign, Saravanan mentioned that MIC deployed 150 pooling cars to transport voters to the polling stations, further contributing to the victory.

Political cooperation, unity the way forward

Pang successfully defended the Kuala Kubu Baharu seat against Perikatan Nasional and two other candidates.

Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin also joined other political leaders congratulating Pang.

Taking to X, Khaled thanked the Umno election machinery, especially the Hulu Selangor division, for assisting the coalition government candidate.

Amanah Youth chief Hasbie Muda congratulated Pang and said the voters dismissed the Green Wave and strongly supported the coalition government.

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said voters have chosen political cooperation and unity as a foundation for future developments.

“The people’s decision today is a sign that they reject a ‘disunity’ agent to represent them.

“Instead, the people want cooperation and togetherness as a base to drive the state and country’s economic development, and increase overall living standards,” said Amirudin in a statement.

Amirudin cited an increase in overall support for Harapan and BN as partners in government.

“The trust of the Malays towards the government is growing, while support from the Chinese, Indians and Orang Asli have strengthened,” he said.

“This is a sign that as Malaysians, we accept that we need each other, and the unity team is the right coalition to develop the country and take care of the people fairly,” he added.

Amirudin said Pang’s victory was also a testament to the contributions of the late Lee Kee Hiong, from DAP, who had served the area since 2013.

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