analysis Barisan Nasional leaders and their ardent supporters would like the world to believe that their victory in the just concluded Indera Kayangan state assembly by-election was due to the people's unwavering confidence in their rule.

The MCA candidate, retired Chinese school headmistress Oui Ah Lan, beat Keadilan's Khoo Yang Chong, a former school teacher, by a majority of 2,592 votes.

It was an excellent performance for the ruling party despite the barrage of criticism against component member MCA which is mired in controversy since it took over two Chinese dailies  it still had to send security forces to accompany opposition politicians on their walkabouts," Chuah said.

"And with all such shameful, morally reprehensible acts, some BN politicians and their quislings still have the thick skin to proclaim a victory," he said.