Chinese have returned to BN - Zahid

BN's landslide victory in the Tanjung Piai by-election is a sign of revived Chinese support, said coalition chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"This is proof that Chinese voters are back to supporting BN," he said at a press conference in Pontian town tonight.

Zahid (above) said this also showed that BN component parties are still relevant.

"What more PAS in Muafakat Nasional, which makes cooperation in the opposition more relevant," he added.

BN's Wee Jeck Seng defeated Pakatan Harapan’s Karmaine Sardini with a 15,086-vote majority to reclaim the Tanjung Piai seat.

Earlier tonight, a Harapan source told Malaysiakini that the ruling coalition is faring poorly in the polling districts of Jalan Rimba Terjun and Kampung Duku.

Both Jalan Rimba Terjun and Kampung Duku are Chinese-majority polling districts.

Meanwhile, Zahid said the Tanjung Piai victory is also a win for the people neglected by the Pakatan Harapan government.

Asked whether Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad should step down after the defeat, he said he didn't want to get involved in this.

"But if that is what the people want, please do it immediately," he added.

Mahathir had campaigned heavily for the Tanjung Piai by-election, including sending letters to voters. - Mkini