BN's wins in by-elections prove people's rejection of Mahathir declaration, referendum

Barisan Nasional's (BN) huge majority wins in both Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar parliamentary by-elections proved that the people had rejected former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's declaration and the call for a referendum against Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The prime minister said both by-elections were deemed extraordinary because the opposition, especially Dr Mahathir, had turned the elections into a referendum on his (Najib) leadership.

"He (Mahathir) has publicly campaigned for voters to reject BN, but BN's wins and increased majority proved that the people had rejected his proposals.

"If the referendum and declaration had received widespread support, it was clear that the support was not interpreted in the results of the Sarawak State Election and both the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections," he told reporters after the handing over of house keys to flood victims at Tapak Maju Ternak, Kampung Staponal, Batu Jong here Sunday.

On Saturday, BN won in the Kuala Kangsar by-election with 6,969-vote majority compared to 1,082-vote majority in the 2013 general election, while in Sungai Besar, BN won with 9,191-vote majority compared to only 399-vote majority in 2013.

Najib, who is also BN chairman and UMNO president, said with the victories, the BN government would continue implementing its policies to bring development, prosperity and national stability to the people.

When asked whether he would expedite the 14th general election following the victories in the by-elections, the prime minister said too many things had to be considered before any decision could be made on the matter.

"Let us celebrate our victories for a couple of days, but be sure it won't be long because we have a lot of things to do to continue serving the people.

"I want to remind everyone not to get carried away, we must always be humble and reach out to the people and help them. If we hold on to this principle, the support for BN will be stronger," he said.

Najib added that the government would do an in-depth analysis on BN's victories in the two by-elections.