IPOH: Perikatan Nasional should be gracious in defeat after losing the Ayer Kuning by-election and not make excuses, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

The Perak Mentri Besar said Perikatan leaders need to accept that the loss also showed a decreased number of votes compared to the 15th General Election.

"Accept the fact that the people of Ayer Kuning rejected them. That's the truth.

"A win is a win. Whatever they say, the fact remains that we won," he told reporters after attending the Riang Ria Aidilfitri GLC open house here on Sunday (April 27).