Barisan: We accept the verdict
Results show that we didn’t cheat in the polls, says Najib
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional has accepted the rakyat’s verdict in the 14th General Election, saying that the results meant that it did not cheat in the polls.
“We accept the rakyat’s verdict,” said its chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in a sombre press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday.
He was flanked by Umno vicepresidents Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, party Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, Wanita chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and its secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor during his brief eight-minute address.
The statement came after Barisan failed to achieve a simple majority to form the Federal Government in the hotly contested elections.
Pakatan Harapan – together with Parti Warisan in Sabah and others – claimed to have won 135 seats.
Barisan won 79 seats, which Najib said was a mandate that must be taken seriously and fulfilled to the best of its ability so that the rakyat would give a bigger one in the future.
However, he said since no party had obtained a simple majority, Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V would decide who to appoint as prime minister.
“Based on the Federal Constitution, such a decision is the King’s prerogative,” said the Pekan MP, adding that Barisan would respect the King’s decision.
He also urged all Malaysians to remain calm and trust in him fully.
Najib said the results clearly showed that the coalition did not cheat in the polls.
“There were many defamatory and seditious statements claiming that Barisan cheated during the polls.
“The 14th General Election has just concluded and we saw a hotly contested battle that was a manifestation and validation of democracy.
“Clearly, there was no cheating by Barisan members,” said Najib, denying rumours that a special National Security Council meeting was held on Wednesday night.
Saying that Barisan was committed to respecting the principle of a democratic Parliament, he also de- fended the Government’s achievements, adding that the rakyat had benefited from the policies.
“However, it is clear that what we did was less appealing than what was offered by our opponents.
“We did our best, but I admit there were some imperfections. However, our priority has always been to ensure the security and prosperity of Malaysians,” he said.
“There will be changes and I am committed towards the best solution for the benefit of the rakyat and country.
“Malaysia is very special. We feel privileged to have led the country all these years,” he said, thanking his friends in Barisan and all par- ties, including their families.
After the press conference, Najib was led to a VIP waiting room along with Hishammuddin, Dr Ahmad Zahid and Tengku Adnan.
Media personnel and Barisan supporters waited for the leaders for almost an hour.
Others seen at the event were Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, Baling Umno chief Datuk Seri Azeez Abdul Rahim and Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.