The former Sabah chief minister said it also showed that voters want the political stability and economic development under the unity government to continue.
BN’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah emerged as the new Mahkota assemblyman after defeating Perikatan Nasional’s Haizan Jaafar with a majority of 20,648 votes, four times higher than the 5,166-vote margin BN achieved in the 2022 state election.
However, the final voter turnout for the by-election stood at 53.84%, slightly lower than the 57.34% recorded during the March 2022 Johor state assembly elections.
“Despite a lower voter turnout, the coalitions recorded a huge increase in its majority,” he told FMT.
“This not only indicates greater support for BN and PH, but also signifies the people’s confidence in Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s leadership and the unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.”
Salleh, who is Sabah Umno treasurer, added that the results show the party’s growing stature under its president, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“The increase in Malay votes also shows that the party is regaining its traditional support base,” he said.
Salleh, a former communications and multimedia minister, also pointed to the youth factor as a key to ensuring BN-PH’s victory in Mahkota.
“Voters were drawn to BN’s young candidate, who represents hope and a new dynamic in local politics,” he said.
“This shows that the young voters are looking for stability and future development.”
‘No DAP’ slogan irrelevant
Meanwhile, Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zakarshi said that the landslide victory shows how the “No DAP” slogan was no longer relevant.
“The (No DAP) slogan is just an excuse for those (in Umno) who wish to switch sides or see no future in the party,” he said in a Facebook post.
He added that cooperation between Umno and DAP remains crucial for the sustainability of the unity government and that the Mahkota by-election showcased the “best formula” for this collaboration.
“Differing views, such as in the halal issue did not stop us from winning. There was no boycott, and DAP actively supported the campaign for BN.”
Last night, BN’s Syed Hussien received 27,995 votes, while PN’s Haizan Jaafar obtained 7,347 votes.
The Mahkota state by-election was called following the death of its incumbent Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.
Sharifah Azizah won the seat in the 2022 state elections with a majority of 5,166 votes in a four-cornered fight against candidates from PH, PN and Warisan.