Many are saying how badly Keadilan did in the Likas by-election. However, I am of the opinion that Keadilan did extremely well! This is not simply a letter to boost morale but a simple statement of facts.

Did BN really win?

Let's review the numbers. BN got around 9,000 votes of which 4,000 of that are still questionable phantom votes which were not struck off from the list. The Election Commission could have delayed the election by a few more weeks to check the list, but they rushed through it. Was somebody scared? Of course ... BN was shaking in their shoes!

Secondly, BN got something like 5,000 votes from 26,000 eligible voters. BN only has the mandate from a mere 20 percent of the population.

Thirdly, BN's 'astounding' majority came from the subtraction from the PBS vote and not the combined opposition vote. So what's all the celebration about?

Did Keadilan cause PBS to lose?

Let's review the numbers. For a young party that has gone into the elections for the first time, Keadilan came up short of a mere 300 votes to beat PBS! I call that a solid 'win'.

The message to PBS is clear. It is PBS who must work with the rising star and not the other way around. PBS has a bad reputation of defecting MPs whilst Keadilan has not. If PBS is not careful, it would become obsolete if it does not work together with BA. This by-election was a mere testing ground for Keadilan in this area. I think it passed the test with flying colours.

So congratulations, Keadilan! Sikit-sikit, lama-lama jadi bukit (Slow and steady wins the race)!