KUALA LUMPUR: The outcome of yesterday's Sungai Bakap by-election highlights Perikatan Nasional's support among the Malays, says opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

In a statement, Hamzah claimed the coalition's victory indicates its popularity as a political platform regardless of race.

The PN secretary-general said the by-election for the state seat it retained was a "referendum" against the government over issues including the cost of living.

"It also shows that people reject those who do not walk the talk.

"Thank you to all Sungai Bakap voters and congratulations to the PN machinery that worked hard throughout the campaign."

Perikatan Nasional retained the Sungai Bakap state seat in Penang last night when its candidate Abidin Ismail won with 14,489 votes defeating Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin who gained 10,222 votes.

Abidin led with a 4,267-vote majority against Joohari, with a higher majority for PN compared to the results in the state elections last August.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said the government accepts the defeat in Sungai Bakap.

He said the government would take stock of the results and the outcome would only strengthen its resolve to improve the lives of the people.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1073276/hamzah-sungai-bakap-results-highlight-pns-malay-support