KUCHING: The absence of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during the campaign period of the 14th General Election (GE14) in Sabah and Sarawak is seen as having eased the 'sentiment of disappointment' felt by citizens of both states towards his 22 year tenure as Prime Minister.
This follows what was seen as failure on his part to bring development to both states as well as enrich its socio-economy throughout his stint as Malaysia's Premier. Apart from that, he was also seen as having 'denied' the special privileges accorded to Sabah and Sarawak as stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Senior lecturer at the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Assoc Prof Dr Jeniri Amir said the veteran leaeder realised that the policies he implemented while helming the federal government had left both states, and its people, at a disadvantage.
"I am sceptical with the excuse that he is needed more in the Peninsular for the election campaign. Truth is, he realises the mistakes he made towards Sabah and Sarawak when he was in power.
"Actually, he dare not come to Sabah and Sarawak, and face us because he knows of the 'anti-Mahathir' sentiment which is strong amongst the people in both states," Dr Jeniri said.
Dr Jeniri added that 'Anak Sarawak' (the children of Sarawak) will not easily forget what Dr Mahathir has done, including recently where he insulted the people of the state.
"How is it possible for him to not campaign here (Sabah and Sarawak) when both states have a large composition of Parliamentary seats," Dr Jeniri asked.
Recalling when Dr Mahathir was in power, Dr Jeniri said the former Premier did not think twice about invoking the Internal Security Act (ISA) against parties who openly voiced out the need to return the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as stated in the MA63.
"Unlike now with Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) who has abolished the ISA and has given room for the people here to raise the MA63 issue openly," he added.
Apart from that, Dr Jeniri mentioned the 'IC Project' which according to him, is also among the reasons why Dr Mahathir will not go to Sabah, as he is worried of the sentiments there. (The IC Project) also resulted in an unstable social and economic condition in Sabah.
"Many non-Sabahans were given identification cards and this made true Sabahans angry," he said.
Meanwhile, for experienced political analyst Datuk Peter Minos, the Opposition coalition is not able to penetrate Sarawak Barisan Nasional's (BN) 'vault' under the stewardship of its Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg.
"The people of Sarawak cannot afford to be divided as they must come together in championing for their rights under MA63. With that in mind, they see BN as their best hope to be their voice in negotiating with the Federal Government to return to Sarawak the powers provided for in the MA63."
He also noted that the presence of the Peninsular-based Opposition coalition in Sarawak has brought with them a culture of harsh politics, comprising insults and slander.
"The people of Sarawak do not like this type of political culture. Issues plaguing the Peninsular should not be brought here," he said.
BN garnered 72 out of the 82 state seats in Sarawak's 11th state election, and won 25 out of the 31 parliamentary seats in the 13th general election.
Sarawak BN is expected to win 28 out of the 31 parliamentary seats in GE14, including taking back four 'bonus' seats from DAP and PKR.