KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin today said that the significant increase of votes his coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN) had received in Pakatan Harapan (PH) controlled states shows that Malaysians want change.

The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) secretary-general said PN’s victory in the states it already controls was proof that the people have confidence in its rule.

"The large increase in votes to PN in Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan has given the impression that the people want change.

"The people want a government that is more responsive to the issues they are facing,” he said in a statement this evening.

Referring to PN’s gains, he said that the people have delivered their referendum through voting and thanked the coalition’s voters and machinery for supporting it.

"PN will continue its fight to develop Malaysia to become better, more transparent and more fair to all parties without considering skin colour, ethnicity or religion.

"PN will also ensure this party becomes a protector that is considerate and caring for every heartbeat and complaint of the people,” he added.

PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) joined forces to take on the PN coalition in six state elections yesterday, setting aside decades of hostilities.

The six state elections saw PN strengthening its hold on Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu while achieving significant victories in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Penang which the PH-BN alliance succeeded in defending.