What has been happening with DAP should be a serious cause for concern for opposition supporters. The party is isolating or alienating itself from even the broad aspiration of the Chinese.

After withdrawing itself from Barisan Alternatif, it has decided not even to help Keadilan in the Indera Kayangan by-election to show opposition solidarity.

Meanwhile, many Chinese, including many ordinary MCA members and supporters are more than happy to see a Keadilan victory in the by-election so that a lesson could be served on the increasingly arrogant MCA leadership and Umno.

Win or lose the by-election, Keadilan has given the Chinese hope in the long run because it also takes up issues of real importance to the community.

However, DAP, is not only refraining from helping as a big brother in the opposition, but is seriously split within the party on all kinds of petty issues.

This will further erode Chinese confidence in DAP and enhance that of Keadilan.

The fact that after 35 years of existence in Malaysian politics, there is not one DAP branch in Perlis, speaks of the internal weaknesses and hollowness of the party.

Fortunately, we now have Keadilan which are more comprehensively and seriously organised.

Win or lose, Keadilan must try hard to enhance its presence in Malaysian opposition politics, especially in the Chinese community which is increasingly disillusioned with not only BN but DAP as well.

However, I still hope DAP's grassroots leaders and members will go to Indera Kayangan to help out in their personal capacities. Only through opposition unity and solidarity could democracy and human rights be preserved.