KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional's landslide victory in the Mahkota by-election proves that partnership with Pakatan Harapan is the winning formula for the 16th General Election, said Johor DAP.
"Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah received 27,995 votes, or 79 per cent of the votes, and his opponent, Perikatan Nasional's Mohamad Haizan Jaafar, received 7,347 votes," said Johor DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong.
BN obtained a 20,648-vote majority.
In the 2022 Johor state election, BN had secured 16,611 votes and Pakatan Harapan, 11,445 votes.
The combined total of 28,056 votes was "very similar to the result of yesterday's by-election", Liew said.
"What it means is that, after intense campaigning, PH's voter base was 'transferable' to BN in this instance."
Liew said the outcome bode well for consolidating cooperation in the unity government.
"With much stronger cooperation, and with effective governing and inspirational policies, the unity government will be able to convince the middle ground, especially those who did not turn out to vote yesterday."
Liew said winning elections together was key to ensuring the stability and continuity of the administration.
In Saturday's by-election, BN retained the Mahkota state seat after Syed Hussien won with a large majority.
The by-election was held following the death of assemblyman Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.