KOTA BAHARU, May 6 – PAS warded off a strong challenge from the Barisan Nasional’s (BN) to hold onto power in Kelantan with a two-thirds majority by winning 32 of 45 state seats in the 13th General Election.
PAS, which ruled the state since 1990 after toppling the BN, scraped through with a simple majority at 12.35 am after winning 23 seats. The BN doubled its winnings from the 2008 general election to 12 state seats while PAS’ ally, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) had to content with one seat like before.
In the 2008 general election, PAS won 38 of the 45 state seats, the BN (six) while PKR (one). However, PAS eventually lost one seat, namely Galas in a by-election in 2010.
Addressing to about 1,000 PAS supporters at the PAS Headquarters here early today, Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Ya’kub said: “The state government will shoulder the trust entrusted upon us by the people fairly and honestly.”
The 32 seats won by PAS were Kijang, Panchor, Kemuning, Pulai Chondong, Temangan, Kadok, Melor, Bukit Tuku, Chempaka, Bunut Payong, Mengkebang, Meranti, Kota Lama, Gual Periok, Tanjung Mas, Pengkalan Pasir, Chetok, Tendong, Pasir Tumboh.
Bukit Panau, Kemahang, Demit, Salor, Tawang, Perupok, Jelawat, Manek Urai, Wakaf Bharu, Kelaboran, Pasir Pekan, Limbongan and Gaal. The PKR won in Guchil while the BN took Pengkalan Kubor, Semerak, Air Lanas, Gual Ipoh, Bukit Bunga, Nenggiri, Galas, Kok Lanas, Dabong, Paloh, Selising and Kuala Balah state seats.
BN Kelantan chairman Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, who retained the Jeli parliamentary seat and won the Air Lanas state seat, will hold a news conference on the state BN’s performance at the state Umno Headquarters here at 11 am today.
BERNAMA
