Although PKR won the Kajang state by-election today, the results show an increase in support from Chinese voters towards Barisan Nasional (BN), says MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said support from Chinese voters increased by seven per cent to 25 per cent, as compared to the results of the 13th General Election.
"Overall, we are very satisfied with the achievements of the BN machinery, even though we lost in the by-election.
"The increase in support from Chinese voters proves that our sacrifices and hard work were not in vain," he told reporters at the MCA operations room headquarters here.
Liow described the by-election as a start for MCA to continue with its mission of transforming the party.
PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail won the by-election with l6,741 votes as compared to the 11,362 obtained by MCA candidate, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, with a majority of 5,379 votes.
In the 13th General Election, Lee Chin Cheh (PKR) won the state seat in a six-cornered fight, with a majority of 6,824 votes.
"From the by-election, we know our strengths and weaknesses, and we will try to improve to effectively transform the party," said Liow.
On her part, Chew said she appreciated all the support, help and guidance she received from the BN machinery during the two weeks of campaigning in Kajang.
"Even though BN did not win, we managed to reduce the majority of the opposition and obtain a higher percentage of the Chinese votes as compared to the 13th General Election," said the MCA vice-president.
She said she would give full attention to the party's internal matters, including work in the three committees and bureaus under her, namely the social development committee, political education bureau and the Penang State Liaison Committee.
Chew also hoped that Wan Azizah would carry out her duties as Kajang state assemblyman with full dedication and fulfill the promises made in the manifesto she presented to the people.
Meanwhile, Dr Wan Azizah wants to give priority to fulfilling the promises she made in her manifesto.
"There are priorities that we have to look into, such as cleanliness and road congestion here," she told reporters.
Opposition Chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Pakatan Rakyat actually expected the reduction in majority percentage which was caused by voters being outside Kajang.
"We are very satisfied, the result is very reassuring as it shows the support of the voters for us," he said.
Bernama
Mon Mar 24 2014
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.