He added however that there would be ups and downs in any democratic process, and that BN had faced tremendous pressure from the opposition throughout the campaign period, especially in marginal seats.

“We lost because the urban voters went back to their hometowns to vote.

“In the case of Kelantan, even Husam Musa from Amanah lost his parliamentary seat as well as the state seat he had been vying for,” he told reporters after attending a closed-door meeting with BN chairman Najib Razak at the Putra World Trade Centre.

The 81-year-old also advised Pakatan Harapan chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad to ensure that unity prevails in the country.

When asked if there was any pressure on Najib to resign as Umno president due to the dismal election results, he said the decision would be made when the time comes.

“I’m sure he must feel some pressure. I don’t think anyone can deny that. But you have to ask him personally,” he said.

PH won 113 seats in the May 9 polls while BN won 79, PAS 18, Warisan eight, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) one and independents three.