KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his hope for all political quarters to respect the people's mandate following the result of the state elections.
Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman said in a country which practices the democratic system, the people's decisions must be respected regardless of having different political beliefs.
He also congratulated the opposition, Perikatan Nasional (PN), which successfully retained their grip in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu with a clean sweep.
"In a democratic system, we need to respect the people's mandate and accept the outcome of the polls in a gracious manner.
"(And) while we have fought our best, I believe that all parties must unite in taking our country into greater heights while taking care of the people's wellbeing," he said in his speech during the unity government election viewing result in World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Unity Government Secretariat head Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, PH communication director Fahmi Fadzil and other party leaders.
While the status quo outcome was well received by the unity government, the coalition's sombre reaction to not being able to penetrate PN's stronghold was felt throughout Dewan Tun Hussein Onn.
Meanwhile, Anwar also thanked his counterparts in East Malaysia for their support towards PH and BN prior to the state polls, adding that the pact was able to retain the three states with support given by their counterparts there.
At the same time, he added that the federal administration will continue its best to serve the people with its Madani approach.
"With this, we will continue serving the people and Monday will be business as usual for a better Malaysia."
Earlier, the Election Commission (EC) announced that it as status quo for all six states in Saturday's polls.
The PH-BN pact managed to maintain its power over Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Penang, forming the government in the three states.
They were able to secure majorities in those states, winning 29 of 56 seats in Selangor, 31 of 36 in Negri Sembilan, and 28 of 40 in Penang.
On the other hand, Perikatan Nasional (PN) successfully retained its grip in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
It was a landslide victory for the coalition in the east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu, securing 43 and 28 seats respectively, and kept its hold in Kedah winning 33 seats.