KUALA LUMPUR: Analysts believe that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is currently testing the voters’ sentiments to ascertain his relevance based on past legacies.
Commenting on the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman’s apparent interest to contest in Putrajaya, political experts believe Dr Mahathir, is looking for a way to affirm acceptance by the majority.
Prof Dr Azizuddin Mohd Sani said it is likely that Dr Mahathir, who was prime minister for more than 22 years, is banking on the possibility of deriving votes based on his legacies.
Dr Mahathir had said that Langkawi or Putrajaya would be his preferred seat choice in the 14th general election.
“It is likely that Dr Mahathir is testing the waters. He wants to know whether he is still remembered (and supported) by the masses. Both Langkawi and Putrajaya were developed under his administration back then.
“But we can never really know what is on his mind, or make clear of his motives,” Azizuddin said.
Umno leaders had expressed their disappointment with Dr Mahathir, who is a former Umno president-turned-chief critic, and said his belligerence and shift into the opposition camp had eclipsed the achievements he made for the country.
On Wednesday, Dr Mahathir in a press conference said he might be contesting for the Putrajaya seat.
The seat has been held by Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor since 2004.
Dr Mahathir, who is now Pakatan Harapan pro-tem chairman, had previously ran for the parliamentary seats of Kota Setar (1964 to 1969) and Kubang Pasu (1974 to 2004).
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Fuad Othman believes the likelihood of Dr Mahathir contesting in Putrajaya is “close to nil”, and most probably a red herring to distract rivals from PPBM’s campaign details in the north.
Fuad said, judging from his recent tendencies, Dr Mahathir could even change his tune and contest a different seat instead of Putrajaya.
“This is Dr Mahathir we are talking about here. What he says now may be different tomorrow. Logically, he needs a safe seat in the north for the survival of his party. He may not want to take his chances in an urban seat where the electorate comprises new voters yet to be identified by PPBM.
“Kedah is his safest bet. His political strength was developed in the northern state. As of now, he may wield some influence among pockets of the electorate there.”