'Increased majority in Sg Bakap shows people rejecting Madani govt'

Perikatan Nasional’s increased majority in the Sungai Bakap by-election win shows people’s rejection of the Madani government, said Bersatu leaders.

Its secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin pointed out that it was a “clear referendum” that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration was no longer what the people wanted when PN candidate Abidin Ismail received an increased majority at the polls.

“This result is also proof of the people’s rejection of arrogant and haughty leaders, who purposefully close their ears and hearts to the suffering of the people, burdened by the rising cost of living,” the opposition leader said on Facebook.

Yesterday, PN retained the Sungai Bakap state seat after Abidin defeated Pakatan Harapan’s Joohari Ariffin with a majority of 4,267 votes - an increase of 1,563 since the previous election.

The Sungai Bakap by-election was held following the death of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff who was also Nibong Tebal PAS division chief on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.

Hamzah also condemned the government for going back on its promises, especially in light of the recent removal of blanket diesel subsidies.

“This Sungai Bakap referendum is also evidence of the people rejecting leaders who break their promises.

“They promised that fuel prices would go down once they gain power, but diesel prices were increased to RM3.35 a litre,” he added.

Diesel subsidy issue hurts Harapan

Similarly, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin cited the diesel subsidy rationalisation as one of the reasons the Harapan candidate lost.

“It’s a clear signal of the people’s rejection of the Harapan-BN government’s policies which burdened them.

“This includes the targeting of diesel subsidies which caused a spike in the price of goods, increasing the burden on the people.

“And the government's stubbornness in continuing to sell Malaysia Airlines Holding Berhad (MAHB) shares to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) despite strong opposition from the people,” the PN chairperson said on Facebook.

He also mentioned Putrajaya’s failure to implement institutional reforms and said further encroaching on the people’s freedom didn’t help.

MAHB deal

Party youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal also attributed Harapan’s defeat to the MAHB deal.

However, the Machang MP expressed surprise that PN managed to retain the seat despite the area being the prime minister’s hometown.

“This rejection came from the people living in the prime minister’s hometown,” he posted on Facebook.

A quick analysis by Malaysiakini showed that the percentage of votes the opposition won went up from 52.7 percent last year to 58.6 percent.

On the flip side, Harapan’s vote share fell from 47.3 percent to 41.4 percent.

Data also showed that PN suffered minimal losses from the lower turnout of 62.9 percent.

While about 4,500 fewer voters turned up yesterday compared to the state election last year, PN’s total votes only decreased by 944.

The lower turnout hit Harapan the worst, as it had 3,648 fewer votes.

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