PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat urged PAS and Pakatan Rakyat leaders to be "a gracious winner" and not utter snobbish remarks that could hurt the feelings of those who lost in yesterday's Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election.

kuala terengganu by election pakatan ceramah perdana 060109 nik aziz The Kelantan menteri besar said any negative statement following the victory would put the party in a bad light.

"Don't hurt the feelings of opponents because if they are hurt, it will be difficult for us to convince them of our struggle," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

In the by-election, PAS won the Kuala Terengganu seat by a 2,631-vote margin.

BN's Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh polled 30,252 votes while PAS' Mohd Abdul Wahid, who is Wakaf Mempelam assemblyperson, polled 32,883 votes.

Independent candidate Azharudin Mamat @ Adam polled 193 votes and lost his deposit.

Nik Aziz, who is grateful for the victory, said it was a meaningful one as there were signs that the non-Muslims, especially Chinese voters, had began to understand PAS' objectives.

Not disappointed

Meanwhile, Azharudin said he was not disappointed with the defeat and would consider contesting again in future elections.

Saying that he accepted the result with an open heart as he had already done his best, the independent said the experience had taught him a lesson on the need to make a thorough and early preparation.

"I don't feel disheartened at all... I am aware that the people are voting for parties and not individuals," he added.

Asked whether he would join any political party in the future, he said, it was not something impossible.

On his disappearance throughout the polling day yesterday, Azharudin said, he was at a mosque praying for the best.

He also urged the winner to fulfil the promises made and for BN not to be discouraged by the result.

"I myself will try to fulfil my promise," he said.