Harapan must address high cost of living, PM says after Cameron defeat

Following Pakatan Harapan's loss in the Cameron Highlands polls last Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today stressed that the government must address the high cost of living, especially for those living in rural areas.

“We have to know more about what they (people) are not happy about. We know that among the things that affect them is the high cost of living.

“High cost of living for rich people doesn’t mean anything, but for poor people, it is a big problem. And these (Cameron Highlands voters) are poor people staying in rural areas.

“We must find ways to reduce the cost of living, as well as to help them earn a better income,” he told reporters when asked after an event in Putrajaya.

The Cameron Highlands electorate comprises Felda settlers, farmers and a large number of Orang Asli.

Commenting further about the results of the by-election, Mahathir said BN’s win was “not surprising” given that it is a rural constituency.

“They are always strong in rural areas. And they played (up) racial issues, that's too bad. But that’s the decision of the people and we accept (it),” he said. 

Following two intense weeks of campaigning, BN’s Mohd Ramli Nor emerged victorious, besting his closest competitor - Harapan’s M Manogaran - by an impressive 3,238 votes. 

BN’s first win since GE14, this by-election saw PAS' top leaders actively campaigning for the coalition, often by warning supporters that Harapan and DAP were a threat to Muslims. 

In his concession speech after the results were announced, Manogaran attributed his defeat to the racial and religious rhetoric used against by his opponent.  - Mkini