SIX by-election victories in, including the latest for the Chini state seat tonight, Barisan Nasional has proven that it is still relevant and accepted by the people.

BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this put paid to talk that BN was no longer accepted by the public.

“I am convinced that these six by-elections (after the 14th general election) clearly provides evidence that BN is not only still relevant but also has a bright future if the component parties and friends in Umno and muafakat nasional give their support to ensure success in the next general election.

“In addition, we are now part of Perikatan Nasional. This combination will also contribute to success, and voters in Chini want continuity of BN services,” he told reporters after the official announcement of the Chini by-election results at the National Youth Skills Training Institute in Pekan tonight.

Prior to this, BN had won parliamentary seats in Cameron Highlands, Tg Piai and Kimanis, as well as state seats in Semenyih and Rantau.

Meanwhile, Pekan MP Najib Razak said although faced with two independent candidates, muafakat nasional was not complacent in tackling the competition.

“This victory shows that BN and muafakat nasional has such strong support that the two independent candidates lost their deposits. I consider this a victory for voters in Chini as they want a people’s representative who can serve them and continue development in this area, as well as ensure a better future,” Najib, who is also who is also Pekan Umno division head, said.

The Chini state seat by-election saw BN candidate Mohd Sharim Md Zain, 41, winning by a majority of 12,650 votes and garnering 13,872 votes overall. The challengers, independent candidates Tengku Datuk Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin, 64, obtained 1,222 votes while Mohd Shukri Mohd Ramli, 49, only received 137 votes, causing both to lose their deposits.

Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail described the “young candidate” strategy, which saw Sharim being fielded, resulted in a major victory for BN.

He said besides being a young candidate, Sharim was known to many of Chini residents as he was active in various youth associations and often assisted the previous state assemblyman, the late Abu Bakar Harun. – Bernama, July 4, 2020.