KUALA LUMPUR: The unity government's resolve to maintain a united front and pursue policies that benefit the people remains unshaken despite the defeat in the Sungai Bakap by-election, says the prime minister.
The lost came against a backdrop of the country adapting to reforms undertaken by the Madani government, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"The unity coalition respects and accepts the Pakatan Harapan candidate's defeat in the Sungai Bakap by-election, which was held smoothly and peacefully.
"As prime minister, I accept the voice of the people in the state constituency with great humility..."
The unity government would continue to keep its finger on the pulse of the people and to champion their cause, he added.
It would maintain a united front as it carried out policies and initiatives that reflected current realities, he said.
Perikatan Nasional retained the Sungai Bakap seat in Penang last night. Abidin Ismail obtained 14,489 votes, defeating Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin, who gained 10,222 votes.