GUA MUSANG - Umno Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said that Barisan Nasional’s (BN) triumph in the Nenggiri by-election, marked by a significant return of Malay voter support, has provided a vital morale boost for the unity government.
Highlighting the return of Malay voter support to the party, Asyraf emphasised that this victory aligned with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s strategy to position Umno and BN as the primary pillars of the unity government in their efforts to reclaim Malay support.
"Specifically, Umno and BN wish to express our appreciation to the Prime Minister, as he has been closely following this by-election and assisting us in various aspects.
"In fact, the Prime Minister has been in constant communication with Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the leadership to ensure this victory," Asyraf said during a press conference held at Dewan Perdana, Kompleks Perdana Majlis Daerah Gua Musang, after the by-election results were announced.
Asyraf also said that the win was unexpected, particularly with the youth vote shifting towards BN, even in districts previously dominated by Pas.
"I observed that they came out to campaign and provide support, and most importantly, we did not expect the outstation voters, who traditionally lean towards Pas, to show significant support for BN," he said.
Last night, BN’s candidate Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani better known as Awie, was declared the winner with a commanding majority of 3,352 votes.
Awie, who also serves as the Kelantan Umno Youth chief secured 9,091 votes, defeating Pas’s candidate Mohd Rizwadi Ismail from Perikatan Nasional (PN), who received 5,739 votes.