NIBONG TEBAL: PKR's Nurul Izzah Anwar says the party's loss in the Sungai Bakap by-election signalled the need for introspection.
The Penang PKR chief said yesterday's result also served as a reminder that the party cannot get too comfortable and must work hard to win the support of the people.
Nurul Izzah said PKR takes full responsibility for Pakatan Harapan's defeat in the polls which saw Perikatan Nasional retaining the state seat with an increased majority.
"We accept this as a further challenge in our struggle.
"While respecting the choice of the people of Sungai Bakap, it is disheartening to see the prevalence of racial attacks and malicious slander to influence sentiments."
The former Permatang Pauh MP said there was a need to focus on resolving core issues affecting the people including their welfare, education and development.
"I take the opportunity to express my appreciation and many thanks to the voters who voted for PH, and PH and Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) machinery who worked hard during the campaign," she added.
Yesterday, PN's Abidin Ismail won the Sungai Bakap by-election, garnering 14,489 votes against PH's Dr Joohari Ariffin who polled 10,222 votes.
Sungai Bakap had been a BN stronghold since the 1974 Penang state elections.
PH first won the state seat in the 2008 general elections and held it until last year's state elections.