Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, said the loss will not weaken PN’s commitment to its cause and the party respects the voters’ decision.

“We must accept the message sent by the Mahkota voters with an open heart and immediately work on improving the party’s performance.

“God willing, PN, and Bersatu in particular, will rise again with a greater determination to achieve victory,” he said in a Facebook post.

Muhyiddin also extended his gratitude to voters in the Mahkota state constituency who supported the PN candidate.

He also thanked the party’s campaign machinery, acknowledging the significant sacrifices in time, effort and financial resources made by grassroots members.

Yesterday, Barisan Nasional’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah defeated the PN candidate from Bersatu, Haizan Jaafar, by a majority of 20,648 votes.

The Mahkota loss follows BN’s victory in the Nenggiri state by-election last month in Kelantan, where it reclaimed the seat with a majority of 3,352 votes.