MELAKA: Unity, solidarity and sacrifices by grassroots machinery were among the factors behind the success of the Perikatan Nasional-Barisan Nasional cooperation in the 16th Melaka election.
Pas vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad said these strengths had enabled the coalition partners to overcome their opponents’ advantages.
“True strength lies not only in financial resources or media dominance, but also in unity, a shared understanding and collective action, which are reflected through the ballot box.
“With this strength, no matter what kind of tsunami comes our way, we can prevail. This has been proven in the Melaka election,” he told reporters after the announcement of the election results.
He said the victory in Melaka should serve as a foundation for strengthening political cooperation at the national level ahead of the next general election.
“God willing, we will strengthen it further. It began to take root in Johor, then blossomed in Negri Sembilan, and today it has borne fruit. God willing, its shade will extend to Putrajaya next,” he said.
Idris also thanked Melaka voters, particularly young people who had their first opportunity to vote under the Undi18 policy.
He said young voters had shown their potential to become agents of change and play an important role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
“This time, it has been proven that young people are agents of change and a factor that can bring about political change at the national level.
“We hope this will bring continued benefits in the lead-up to the next general election,” he said.
Earlier, Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said BN secured a simple majority after winning 15 of the 28 state seats in the 16th Melaka election, as of 9.40pm.
He said the results allowed BN to form the state government with a simple majority.