“The success in Mahkota marks the people’s acceptance of Anwar’s leadership and administration,” Zahid said in a Facebook post today.

BN candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah was elected the new assemblyman for Mahkota by a majority four times larger than BN obtained in 2022 through Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain. The by-election was called following her death on Aug 2.

Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, expressed gratitude to Mahkota’s voters for choosing BN. He said the coalition’s success reflected the legacy of the late Sharifah, who had worked tirelessly as the assemblyman of Mahkota.

“Her service remains in our memory and is our inspiration in serving the people of Mahkota,” he added.

Zahid also urged party members to not be arrogant following the victories in the Mahkota and Nenggiri by-elections, in which Umno wrestled back the Kelantan state seat from Perikatan Nasional.

The Umno president also urged Syed Hussien to fulfil his role as the new assemblyman. “Syed Hussien, remember that promises must be kept. Do your best for Mahkota,” he said.

BN’s Mahkota by-election director Onn Hafiz Ghazi said today’s victory was the result of the cooperation of the unity coalition’s machinery, and not just one particular party.

“Today, we’ve shown that when we work in unison, shoulder-to-shoulder as a team, we can achieve great results. This is not the result of any solo effort, but teamwork.”