PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated Barisan Nasional (BN) on securing the people's mandate in the 16th Melaka State Election, while urging Pakatan Harapan (PH) to take its electoral defeat as an opportunity for reflection and improvement.
Anwar said the mandate must be discharged responsibly to safeguard the state's development and the well-being of its people.
“Congratulations to Barisan Nasional on the mandate given by the people of Melaka. May this trust be carried out with full responsibility for the well-being of the state and its people.
“My appreciation goes to all voters who fulfilled their democratic responsibility, as well as the PH machinery and all its candidates who worked hard.
“It is now time to move forward by prioritising the people's interests, and the Federal Government will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Melaka state government to drive development and safeguard the well-being of all its people,” he said in a Facebook post last night.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to working closely with the new state administration to ensure development initiatives continued in the interests of the people.
Meanwhile, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu urged PH members and supporters to accept the defeat with an open mind and use the outcome to identify weaknesses and strengthen the coalition's organisation.
He said an electoral setback did not mean the end of the political struggle, stressing that there was still a long road ahead.
“In any struggle, there are times when we celebrate victory and times when we must accept defeat with an open heart.
“We respect the outcome of this Melaka state election, even though it did not favour PH.
“Every vote cast represents a trust and hope of immense value,” he said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
PH secured only four of the 24 state seats it contested, namely Kota Laksamana, Kesidang, Ayer Keroh and Bandar Hilir.
Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, urged supporters not to lose heart, but to remain patient, improve themselves and continue serving the people with integrity.
“Do not lose heart. The struggle does not end at the ballot box. As long as there are people who need to be defended, we will continue to serve,” he said. - November 15, 2026
