In contrast, he said, the opposition carried out a “racist campaign” ahead of the poll and chose topics that did not go down well with the locals.

“The people, especially in Ayer Kuning, have rejected racist and divisive campaigning.

“(The victory) is a rejection of racist politics. Malaysians, especially in Ayer Kuning, cannot accept it, and chose unity and to fight division,” he said.

Barisan Nasional’s Yusri Bakir won the by-election after securing 11,065 votes for a 5,006-vote majority over his closest rival, Perikatan Nasional’s Abdul Muhaimin Malek (6,059 votes) and Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s KS Bawani (1,106 votes).

Earlier today, FMT reported political analyst Awang Azman Pawi as saying PN’s over-reliance on PAS and the rhetoric of championing Malay-Muslim issues may have contributed to the opposition’s loss at the Ayer Kuning by-election.

He said the PN strategy had less effect on the moderate Malays and Ayer Kuning’s multi-ethnic demographic.

He added that PN had also campaigned on national issues, such as the cost of living and inflation, but still failed to win over multiracial and moderate voters who previously supported Pakatan Harapan.

Fahmi, who is communications minister, said the victory proves the unity government’s current efforts should continue. However, he also warned against complacency.

“Our majority has increased. Of the 20 voting districts, the unity government has won 19.

“This is a positive sign, but we should not become lazy. There is much we must do to strengthen this victory,” he said.