JEJU ISLAND (South Korea), 1 June 2009: Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)’s victory in the Penanti by-election yesterday is not a yardstick to gauge the popularity of any political party.
The prime minister said PKR’s victory was also not an impressive win because voter turnout dropped to less than 50%, and the total votes obtained by PKR’s Dr Mansor Othman fell by about 1,300 votes compared to the votes garnered by the PKR candidate in the 2008 general election.
He said PKR’s victory over the independent candidates was not an absolute victory or achievement that they could be proud of.
Najib said this at a press conference with Malaysian journalists after delivering a keynote address at the closing session of the Asean-Korea CEO Summit held in conjunction with the Asean-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit at the Jeju International Convention Centre (ICC) today.
In the Penanti by-election, Penang PKR deputy chairperson Mansor, 59, won with a majority of 5,558 votes.
Mansor, who obtained 6,052 votes beat three independent candidates – Nai Khan Ari Nai Keow, 41, (494 votes); Aminah Abdullah, 56, (392 votes); and Kamarul Ramizu Idris, 42, (56 votes).
The by-election was held following the resignation of the incumbent assemblyperson, Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, on 16 April.
Barisan Nasional (BN) did not field its candidate in the by-election because the BN supreme council decided that the vacancy had nothing to do with the constitutional provision for a by-election, and was merely a Pakatan Rakyat game.
Najib arrived here on Sunday to attend the two-day summit which ends tomorrow. — Bernama
james au says
I can’t help but laugh at the way our PM commented on the landslide victory of PR in the Penanti by-election. He sounded more like sour grapes and a kid who cried over spilt milk!
To give such comment especially in a foreign country is a great disgrace to all Malaysians because it reflects poorly on our #1 statesman! The Koreans must be wondering now whether our PM has an inkling what statistics is all about!
With respect, our PM should congratulate Dr Mansor Othman of his success because of the fair by-election. At the same time, he should also admit defeat and apologise to all his BN supporters for NOT nominating a candidate leaving all of them stranded!
Was the PM expecting BN supporters to vote for Aminah Abdullah?! My advice to all BN supporters….since your own leaders have deserted all of you…why not chose an alternative way like the PR who are more committed and dedicated towards its objectives. It’s never too late to make a better choice for a better MALAYSIA.
Noor Hadi Ismail says
It’s already a foregone conclusion that if BN were to put up a candidate, they definitely would be defeated. So what is he talking about?!