Kedah BN concedes defeat at state polls

ALOR SETAR, - Kedah Barisan Nasional (BN) concedes to the defeat and acknowledges the decision made by the people in the Kedah polls held today.

Its chairman, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the coalition remains grateful to all the people of Kedah and at the same time, extends congratulations to Perikatan Nasional (PN) for successfully forming the state government.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to express millions of thanks to the entire BN machinery that has tirelessly worked hard throughout the campaign period.

"We accept and acknowledge this defeat as it is the nature of competition. There will be those who lose and those who win," he said in a statement to the media today.

He emphasised that BN remains gracious and respects the decision of the Kedah people who rejected the unity government to govern the state.

Mahdzir who is also the Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman advised all state Umno and BN members not to blame any party for the defeat in the state polls.

"We have endeavored to win the hearts of voters not only during campaigning but also from the past, always serving the people. But when the people decide not to choose BN, we accept it with the will of Allah," he said.

Mahdzir, who is also a candidate for the state seat of Pedu, lost to the PN candidate and the incumbent, Mohd Radzi Md Amin, with a majority of 6,373 votes.

He obtained 8,024 votes, trailing significantly behind Mohd Radzi who garnered 14,397 votes.

"I accept my defeat in Pedu with an open heart and pray that the voters in Pedu will receive all blessings after making the choice to reject me and retain their representative," he said.

The former Kedah Menteri Besar was previously the assemblyman of Pedu for two terms from 2004 to 2013.

In addition to Mahdzir, two prominent names from PH-BN who also lost were Kedah PH chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar and Kedah DAP chief Tan Kok Yew.

Caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor retained control of the Jeneri seat, winning 16,050 votes.

He defeated BN candidate Datuk Muhammad Khizri Abu Kasim