The former premier had hit the campaign trail for the Sungai Limau by-election held in his home state of Kedah, where his son Mukhriz Mahathir is now the menteri besar.

Despite narrowing the gap, BN had failed to unseat PAS from its traditional stronghold during Monday's contest.

Penning his thoughts on the matter, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that gifts in cash and kind do not win votes.

On the same note, the octogenarian, who was prime minister for more than two decades, also took a swipe at his long-time political foe, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang.

sg limau by election dap ceramah 021113 lim kit siang"Lim also campaigned there but it appears that DAP is still afraid of my shadow. Lim's focus was to deride me as if I was the one who was contesting.

"Lim is not happy that I am still active (in politics) despite retiring," he said in his blog.

Turning the tables on the DAP strongman, Mahathir questioned Lim’s retirement plan and wondered if the veteran intended to remain in power until his death.

"When I became an elected representative in 1964, Lim was the political secretary to Devan Nair. After PAP was no longer active in Malaysia, Lim formed DAP and became its leader.

"I retired in 2003, but Lim has yet to retire, he remains as the leader of DAP and MP for Gelang Patah. When is Lim retiring? Until death?" he said.

As for the campaign in Sungai Limau, Mahathir lamented that much had changed over the decades, with large amounts of money being spent now with the intention to win votes.

Apart from carnivals, dinners and entertainment shows, the former premier said that there were also free t-shirts given out.

True to his sarcastic form, he added that PAS, however, was forced to sell T-shirts but if it formed the government, then there would be free T-shirts for the people.

Mahathir also recalled another event held to promote the Agriculture Ministry in Sungai Limau, where visitors were given rice and chickens.

"I am not sure if this was part of the BN campaign. But if it was, then it is clear that voters are not swayed by such things.

"Perhaps I am wrong (and I admit that I am often wrong), but I feel that giving money and gifts will not ensure victory. This was evident in the 13th general election," he said.

"Support for a political party is based on its struggle and the actions of his leaders and candidates. If you come in Mercedes cars and high-powered motorcycles, whatever gifts given will not win the hearts of the voters.

"Some unwise voters call this bribery... and this perception impacts their action (in terms of casting their ballots)," he added.