BEIJING, May 31 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the Teluk Intan by-election victory showed what could be achieved when the grassroots and leadership worked together.

Describing Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong’s narrow win over DAP’s Dyana Sofya Mohd Dau by 238 votes, as the sweetest present for him at the end of his visit to China, Najib, who is Barisan Nasional chairman, said he was grateful and happy with the result.

“This is a very meaningful win. We lost by more than 7,000 votes in the 2013 general election and we have turned this around.

“We will have to examine why this apparent swing towards the BN. It’s too early for us to say why we won,” said Najib to Malaysian media after attending the Malaysia-China Friendship dinner in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries establishing economic ties.

In expressing his gratitude to the voters, Najib said he had spoken to Mah and had congratulated him on his victory.

He also confirmed that Mah would be made a minister and that he would announced the appointment later.  

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak delivers a speech during a celebration to mark 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relationship between Malaysia and China at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, May 31, 2014. He congratulated Mah for his victory in the Teluk Intan by-election tonight. — Reuters pic