MELAKA: Racial issues and religious sentiments played by the opposition in the Sungai Bakap by-election campaign were among the factors that lead to the defeat of Pakatan Harapan.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the issue of Islam being marginalised under the unity government had successfully influenced voters in the area.
However, the deputy prime minister said Umno accepted the voters' decision with an open heart and will improve every weakness to face the upcoming Nenggiri state by-election.
"The issue raised (by the opposition) is not only a matter of racism, but also a matter of hatred.
"We accept that it is their political game. But we are determined to continue working and this is not the end or the end of the road for any candidate of the unity government coalition," he said.
He said this after officiating the Kota Melaka division Umno representatives meeting in Telok Mas here today.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Zahid also reminded the leadership and party members that the current political scenario has changed.
"At Sungai Bakap, I saw the 'mood' at that time was still with us. In fact, the Umno and BN machinery was quite strong, but fate was not on our side.
"It is true that we can bring investors. It is true that we can bring tourists. It is true that we can bring development. The time has come when slander and falsehoods have overcome the truth. Remember that," he reminded the representatives.