A PARTI Islam member at the centre of a controversial court case which featured in campaign speeches was one of the big election winners.
The victory of Mohamed Sabu, deputy leader of the PAS youth movement, highlighted his popularity in Kelantan, where his party will again form the state Government, despite losses to the National Front, which had a resounding victory at the federal level and made gains in state contests.
It also underlines the problem Dr Mahathir and the National front face in trying to wrest control of Kelantan from PAS.
Mr Sabu, 41, is a striking contrast to the PAS leader in Kelantan, Nik Aziz Nik Mat, 63, the Chief Minister.
The younger man is heavily built and an aggressive speaker, while the older man is subdued in style and slight of build.
Although the Chief Minister is revered as a religious teacher, bigger crowds flock to hear Mr Sabu speak as he flays government leaders with vicious barbs and slanderous charges.
