GE15: 'I tried my best, but the best wasn't enough' – KJ

KUALA LUMPUR - Khairy Jamaluddin loses by a slight margin however, a loss is still a loss.

The high-profile Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in the 15th General Election (GE15) wholeheartedly accepted his defeat at the Sungai Buloh Parliament.

The former health minister had lost in the election, and he said that it was a fact that all politicians had to go through once every five years.

In the election, he said, each leader was evaluated whether they were good enough or not to serve the people.

"The election is fundamental to any functioning democracy, but it was also something that tells politicians whether they were good enough or not. If the people find you likable or not.

"I felt that I’d tried my best, but the best wasn't enough. A loss is still a loss, it doesn't matter how small the total (majority is) or how many people expressed their disappointment with your loss," Khairy said in a post on his social media account on Sunday.

He was confident that the loss was not the end of his story and his struggles in politics however Khairy said he wanted to take the time for himself to plan his next move.

He had worked hard throughout the duration as the 'general' in the country's war against the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Truthfully, I am tired. I did not have much time to rest ever since I was asked to manage the pandemic. It was two difficult years for me to steer the country out of Covid-19.

"However, it was an honour to serve the country at a critical time and I am happy we managed to recover," he said.

He had also left a message for those who were elected to hold the people's mandate to carry out their responsibilities fully with wisdom and compassion.

"The country needs stability and better leadership. I pray the best for everyone.

"I can't wait to witness the World Cup on my television," he wrote.

In GE15 on Saturday, Khairy lost to Datuk R. Ramanan from Pakatan Harapan (PH) who won with a majority of 2,693 votes. - AWANI