I refer to the Malaysiakini report Pakatan keeps 2 'bukits', BN wins Btg Ai.

What do the by-election results mean? For PAS with Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin's bigger majority in Bukit Gantang, it means good things happen when a solid candidate is supported by a well-oiled machine.

I still remember Umno’s analysis including from Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Pak Lah’s leadership was rejected by the people and that is why they lost in Permatang Pauh and Kuala Terengganu.

What excuse are they going to reach for this time? Abdullah Ahmad Badawi got the can for BN's poor performance in March 2008.

Azim Zabidi’s aloofness is blamed for BN’s defeat in Bukit Gantang by 1,566 votes on March 8 and the wave against Umno was used by the MIC to justify its loss in Bukit Selambau too 12 months ago.

In Bukit Gantang yesterday, Umno opted for a local politician, Ismail Saffian and in Bukit Selambau, MIC nominated strongman S Ganesan as its candidate. Muhyiddin Yassin and other members of the Umno supreme council were camped in both constituencies since nomination day on March 29.

Perak Mentri Besar Zambry Kadir worked the ground between 7.30am and 2am daily while Deepavalli came early for many Indian voters in Kedah, courtesy of the MIC. But the outcome was worse than 12 months ago.

I believe the reasons for BN’s two defeats are Mahathir and the new PM. My opinion is that the rakyat are not in favour of Mahathir being 'present' in the new administration.

In Bukit Gantang, he tossed a few sarcastic jibes at Anwar Ibrahim but his attempt was a non-factor where it counted most – at the ballot box.

Unkindly, some scribes at the front line noted that BN won in Batang Ai, the one constituency where the former prime minister did not campaign.

Thanks to Mahathir and S Samy Vellu, for their visits to support the BN campaigns at the two bukit increased Pakatan Rakyat's majority compared to March 8 general election!

‘The feel-good factor from the power transition is still too new and has not sunk in,’ Najib's right-hand man, Muhyiddin Yasin, told reporters while conceding defeat. Muhyiddin has already started playing the loyal deputy.

Kissing up and living in denial - two criteria one must have to live up to Umno's standards. Umno will just never get it.

It will take more than a few assuring statements and symbolic gestures like releasing 13 ISA detainees for the non-Malays to return to BN.

In Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau, the BN machinery worked well, perhaps even better than in the run-up to the general elections in 2008.

At least in Bukit Selambau, the Pakatan Rakyat campaign was hindered by disagreements over the candidate and defection by some PKR officials. But still victory was elusive for BN.

The Home Ministry may have outlawed the use of Altantuya Shariibuu's name during political rallies and seized all paraphernalia related to the Mongolian model. Still Pakatan Rakyat managed to score a bigger majority than before.

The clearest referendum from Bukit Gantang for BN is to do the honourable thing: return the power back to the rakyat of Perak.

Quite clearly, having Najib Abdul Razak as the new Perak Umno liaison chief and as the prime minister boosted the spirits of BN workers but it had little impact on the voting. Surely that is troubling.

This is a good result for the country which proves the rakyat's acceptance of the new two-party political system.

The pressure on Umno and BN to undertake change or transformation within itself has become more intense.

There is no more time for politicking and procrastination within Umno. No more sugar-coated consoling words. Change or perish.