Whatever the outcome of the by-election in Indera Kayangan this Saturday, the voters of that constituency will not see any major changes. The campaign so far has raised few local issues. Whoever wins, there will not be much difference in the present state government and business will go on as usual.

But there are big stakes involved. For Keadilan, a loss or an inability to reduce the Barisan Nasional majority may indicate that it is on the way to oblivion. A win — and there will be plenty of hope for the future of Keadilan! It will indicate that DAP is not required to deliver the Chinese voters, that the Chinese in Keadilan can stand on their own two feet and there is a place for a multiracial party in Malaysian politics.

A loss for MCA will spell disaster and start the finger-pointing menace — who is to be blamed? Team A or Team B? Can MCA deliver the Chinese votes in the next general elections? Was it the failure of Umno to deliver the Malay votes or MIC, the Indian votes? If MCA wins with a bigger majority, it will indicate to BN and Umno that the MCA — despite its Team A and Team B problems — is still capable of fulfilling what is expected of it.

What about the voters in Indera Kayangan? As mentioned earlier, they can expect little changes in their lives whoever wins. A big win for MCA would mean that as far as the voters are concerned, the BN is still the better alternative and there is no need for a replacement this time. The voters are willing to wait till a better alternative presents itself.

A win for Keadilan would mean that the voters are ready for change and this would send a 'buck-up' message to the present BN government.

The voters of Indera Kayangan have a very important task at hand this Saturday for there is plenty at stake. Their votes are very important for they carry an important message to the people of the nation as well as the present BN government and political parties which aspire to provide an alternative choice.