International News

Malaysia's ruling Perikatan Nasional coalition wins first by-election

Sentinel Digital Desk

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's ruling Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition won its first by-election by a landslide since coming to power in March. The Election Commission said on Saturday that the candidate from United Malay National Organization (UMNO) that representing PN defended its Chini state-assembly seat in Pahang state, won 13,872 votes, reports Xinhua news agency.

The two other competing independent candidates obtained 1,222 and 137 votes respectively, the Commission added. The by-election was held following the death of UMNO assemblyman Abu Bakar Harun from a heart attack in May.

The opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH) fielded no candidate but former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad endorsed one of the independent candidates. (IANS)