In a statement tonight, he claimed that unofficial results had seen PN, comprising PAS, Bersatu and minor parties, had notched a “comfortable” victory.

However, official and unofficial results show PN to have won only 27 seats as of the latest count. The threshold needed to be met in order to form the federal government is 112.

Hadi said: “This victory is the result of the cooperation between all PAS members and friends in PN who have worked hard since the beginning. On behalf of the entire party leadership, I express my gratitude to all Malaysians who have trusted PAS and PN to govern the country once again.”

Hadi thanked the voters who had put their trust in his party and the coalition, singling out young voters and those who had returned from overseas.

“Your sacrifice in rushing to return to vote will be met with a commensurate reward from Allah,” he said.