With all due respect to Kim Quek for his analysis of the Pendang and Anak Bukit by-elections, I think due consideration should also be given to the 'real' situation as illustrated below:

Anak Bukit State (Without Irregularities) Constituency
2002 1999 Gain / Loss Net Gain / Loss Phantoms / (Removed)
BN 6,790 43.56% 6,640 43.92% -0.36% -0.81% 1,000
PAS 8,798 56.44% 8,480 56.08% 0.36% 0.64% (500)
Total 15,588 100% 15,120 100%

Pendang Parliamentary (Without Irregularities) Constituency
2002 1999 Gain / Loss Net Gain / Loss Phantoms / (Removed)
BN 17,825 42.58% 19,474 46.49% -3.92% -8.42% 5,000
PAS 24,042 57.42% 22,413 53.51% 3.92% 7.32% (1,500)
Total 41,867 100% 41,887 100%

The above tables show that though both parties have won one by-election each, nevertheless in terms of changes in the extent of support, Barisan Nasional has lost 0.81 percent and 8.42 percent in Anak Bukit and Pendang respectively, while PAS has increased by 0.64 percent and 7.32 percent respectively.

As such BN was clearly victorious in engineering the outcomes of the by-elections to show that it has 'gained' public support. This was done by removing PAS supporters from the electoral roll and adding sufficient phantom votes to "show an increased support for BN in PAS' stronghold" of 8-10 percent.