“There has got to be a new version of BN if the coalition plans to further win the hearts of the voters in the next general election.”

Those were the words of former deputy higher education minister Saifuddin Abdullah after losing the Temerloh parliamentary seat to PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan.

Nasrudin managed to obtain 28,267 votes, whereas Saifuddin garnered 27,197 votes.

“What is talked about on social media is real. However, the impact of social media is only in certain areas,” said Saifuddin.

NONE“BN won in rural and predominantly Malay areas. For the next general election, BN has got to plan to win the popular votes... something I have pointed out for a long time now.

“We’re lucky to still be in government at the federal level. To strengthen our position, we need to re-brand; there needs to be a new BN."

Saifuddin admitted that he was shocked with his defeat to Nasrudin (right), describing it as the "Chinese tsunami".

“I know I won most - if not all - of the Malay areas, but when it came to the Chinese areas, I lost big time. It was unexpected. I call it the ‘Chinese tsunami’.

“I don’t know what’s next for me. I guess it’s back to my business ventures and writing.”

He is, however, still ready to serve BN.

“I’m not going anywhere and I’m ever ready to help if required,” he added.

- The Malay Mail