Lee Kuok Tiung, a senior lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, said the people would be watching to see how quickly Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his new government act.
He acknowledged that optimism had been renewed after Mahathir’s pledge to restore the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners in the federation of Malaysia, but cautioned that such hope comes with a caveat.
“He must understand that he was the prime minister for 22 years. They are giving him a second chance, but I believe their patience has limits.”
Adding that scepticism would always remain, Lee gave the example of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) pledge on the 20% oil royalty.
“Until the PH government fulfils these pledges, those feelings will remain, especially given today’s set-up which is different from Mahathir’s first tenure as prime minister. We didn’t have smart phones and social media then,” Lee told FMT.
During the Malaysia Day celebration on Sunday, Mahathir had promised to make Sabah and Sarawak equal partners in the federation they joined 55 years ago.
He also said the PH government was in the process of reviewing MA63.
However, Lee said Mahathir did not have the luxury of time to implement changes as he would not have another 22 years to give back what had been taken from the Bornean states.
“I see that the papers say there is no time frame for the restoration of status.
“I really hope Sabahans and Sarawakians don’t have to wait another 55 years.”
Urging the federal government to move quickly, he said work on the issue had already begun under the previous administration.
He pointed to the steering committee on the devolution of powers to Sabah and Sarawak, established by former prime minister Najib Razak and co-chaired by Anifah Aman and Nancy Shukri.
“In Sabah, it was chaired by former Sabah special tasks minister Teo Chee Kang, and in Sarawak by the chief minister.
“They finished their report and submitted it to Putrajaya, but then the government changed.”
With this report in hand, Lee said, the PH government would not have to start from scratch.
“After all, you’re referring to the same document. There is only one MA63.
“If the federal government is sincere, just deliver it. Shouldn’t Mahathir push for its implementation as soon as possible?”
He also repeated the call by opposition leaders for the federal government to give up its 5% oil royalty portion to Sabah and Sarawak as a gesture of good faith while it works on the 20% oil royalty issue.
“I saw on TV a news report on Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali saying they can give back the 20%, but it must follow their formula and methods.
“They should walk the talk,” Lee said.