Win or lose the Indera Kayangan by-election, Keadilan has to date put up a really good fight. Serious participation in elections is what the process of democratisation needs. I hope Barisan Alternatif and Keadilan will put up more good fights in the coming general elections or any other by-elections.

For so many years, there has not been serious opposition presence in the many multiethnic constituencies like Indera Kayangan. It is because of the absence of organised opposition in these mixed constituencies that Barisan Nasional wins time and again. Now with Keadilan positioning itself as an organised opposition in these constituencies, democracy has become more lively and people-oriented.

Another feature of the by-election is that now lobby groups in civil society have learnt how to lobby realistically to mobilise ground support for their causes instead of confining themselves to visiting ministers and writing memoranda.

The only sure loser in this new politics is DAP which not only lacks organisation in constituencies like Indera Kayangan and Lunas, but also prevents its leaders and members from helping to fight for a stronger opposition.

Thus, while BN and BA are engaged in serious and real electoral battles on the ground, DAP leaders are fighting among themselves, spending their time commenting on other opposition parties and issuing press statements everyday from Kuala Lumpur. What is the future of this unproductive opposition party?