PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has reminded Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties to work harder for the people, saying there are already signs that the "blue wave" is rising.

He said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's wisdom in introducing people-friendly measures as well as the moral victory in Manik Urai should strengthen the resolve of the BN component parties to retain the coalition's mandate.

"Although we have problems in several states, we still have the majority at the federal level.

"From Manik Urai onward, I am confident that the blue wave is rising again throughout the country. We should fight and work harder," said Muhyiddin, the BN election director for the Manik Urai by-election.

The "blue wave" is BN's election slogan.

Muhyiddin, who is the Education Minister, was met by reporters after presenting the ministry's Excellent Service Awards 2008.

Muhyiddin also expressed disappointment over Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's refusal to accept his challenge to list down proofs of PAS' capability in developing Kelantan over the past 20 years.

"He has not provided the list even after the by-election is over... if he had answered the challenge, PAS would have lost because the list would not be a convincing one.

"PAS has indeed failed to develop the state and only using Islam to gain support," he said.

PAS won the Manik Urai by-election on Tuesday with a slim majority of 65 votes compared to the 1,352-vote majority it obtained in the 12th general election.

Muhyiddin, who also commented on the political situation in Selangor including the suspension of former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo from the state assembly, said that that was the consequences if the BN was weak or had no majority in a state.

"We know the political style (of opposition parties)... it may be because they cannot stand the criticism by the BN and try to undermine our effectiveness in the assembly," he said. (Bernama)