Did you apply directly at the bank, or at those bank roadshows with their somewhat aggressive salespeople?
Like some said, a clean record may also be a factor in your application, as the approving bank may not be able to determine if you're a good enough paymaster, on top of the stringent rules BNM has imposed.
Then again, with these credit card sales people, who seem to get incentives for every approved applicant, may also be a "game changer" for you.

Wait... those credit card sales people do get incentives for every approved applicant they signed up, right? Do correct me if I am wrong.