DPM basks in double by-election glory

BN’s double victory in the Batu Sapi and Galas by-elections prove that the rakyat believe in the ruling coalition’s development agenda, said Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said the results also showed that the rakyat have rejected the call for Sabah autonomy.

"Whatever campaign for Sabah for Sabahans and Sabah autonomy has been rejected by the rakyat. Sabahans are an important part of Malaysians overall."

Muhyiddin said tonight’s double victory was significant as it means the people have confidence in the leadership of Premier Najib Abdul Razak.

“This means that we have strengthened our position and we have brought back the confidence of the rakyat,” he said at a press conference after BN’s Batu Sapi candidate Linda Tsen Thau Lin was declared the winner with a 6,359-vote majority.

Muhyiddin (extreme left) pointed out that despite the different profiles of Batu Sapi and Galas, both constituencies have a common desire for development.

He said the overwhelming support with an increased majority in both contests signifies that the rakyat want BN to play a greater role in bringing them, and the country, forward.

“They still want development. This shows that our agenda for development remains relevant and is still strong,” he said.

When asked if their double victory puts to rest the ghost of the March 2008 ‘tsunami’, Muhyiddin brushed aside the opposition clarion call as the work of a master trickster.

“Our results were not so good in 2008, mostly because the opposition, who I call 'raja putar alam’ (king of manipulation), took advantage of the situation to spin stories until the people believe what they say.

“In time, people have begun to realise what they were told was untrue, and they now have a new understanding of the situation," he said.

Ku Li: Free the press

The newly-elected Galas state assemblyperson Abdul Aziz Yusof has pledged to tackle the people's problems particularly development issues, said Bernama.  

Aziz (left), who won with a 1,190 majority said that the big margin only served to make him strive harder to improve the life of people in the Galas constituency.

Meanwhile, Galas election director Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah expressed his gratitude to PAS for “not giving him many problems” during the by-election campaigning.

Speaking at a press conference at his home in Bukit Cekati after the official results, he commended the Islamic party for refraining from personal attacks, and said that he had advised BN leaders to do the same.

When asked if the results showed increased support for BN, he said, "I don’t know if this can be a gauge on whether the rakyat want us back.”

He noted that the by-elections showed that the electorate wants change. The old methods of tight media control, he said, no longer works.

“I hope we can take this further... the time has come for us to free the media so that it is not under such tight control. It is worth considering.” said the Gua Musang MP.

Najib on leave with chicken pox

Meanwhile, Najib Razak described the BN victories today as a reflection of the people's confidence in the BN government.

"This is particularly true in the context of transformation that is being championed by the BN government with the tabling of detailed and thorough plans," the prime minister told Bernama by telephone.

Najib, who is currently on leave after contracting chicken pox, said he was ery happy with the victories and described them as a victory for the people and voters in the two constituencies.

"They have placed their trust and confidence in the BN to bring progress and better prosperity to the residents in Batu Sapi and Galas.

"I give my assurance that the BN pledges in Galas and Batu Sapi will be fulfilled," he said.