He said although a lot of people tend to think by-elections can be used to gauge the support for a national leader, a lot of other issues, including local sentiments, were at work.

He told a press conference after the Supreme Council Meeting today that Barisan Nasional (BN) wanted to emulate the way Sarawak BN won the recent state election.

Najib also called for a more moderate and reserved way of campaigning to suit the Muslim month of Ramadan.

“We hope this victory (in Sarawak) can bring a momentum and a breath of fresh air today to BN and Umno in other states.

“We must focus on efforts to ensure BN’s victory in the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections as well as the 14th General Election.

“We are also taking into consideration the factors that contributed to Sarawak’s victory. Maybe it will be a lesson and guidance to other states.”

Meanwhile, Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir and Selangor Umno Liaison Chairman Noh Omar were named as being in charge of the by-elections on June 18.

Both briefed the Supreme Council about their preparations and strategies.

Umno will announce their Sungai Besar candidate tonight while the Kuala Kangsar candidate will be announced tomorrow.

BN’s chances might be better as the Opposition has yet to reach an agreement over who should be contesting against BN and it is expected to be a multi-cornered contest in both places.