Tok Mat ‘the galvaniser’

Barisan Nasional’s victory in the Rantau by-election is a huge achievement for the opposition coalition, unlike the previous Cameron Highlands and Semenyih successes. This has the hallmarks of a significant difference.

For one, this by-election involved Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is discharging the president’s duties. The fight was personal and involved a heavyweight. A defeat for a former mentri besar, and a candidate campaigning as a local boy, would snuff out any flickering hope for Barisan Nasional. Never mind the two earlier victories.