It speaks volume of the new height of repression in Malaysia when not a single Chinese-language newspaper reported the police presence at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall to ban the meeting on the Chinese school issue.

The suppression of The Sun has almost completed the grand design of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to establish a dictatorship.

Once, it was the Malay/Muslims who claimed they were being repressed. Now, the Chinese suffer that fate. It is time Chinese oppositionists and supporters re-strategise and prepare to struggle for democracy and their rights.

It would be an uphill task without media access. However, the problem can be overcome by setting up more Chinese-language web home pages on Malaysian politics. They may not be as effective as the mainstream media initially, but nothing is impossible with determination and dedication.

The Chinese could also join forces with supporters of Barisan Alternatif to spread their message on the ground instead of kowtowing to the mainstream media.

A good sign is already evident in Indera Kayangan. Many Chinese have opted to be part of the people's, not elitist's, movement for reformasi. Chinese oppositionists must learn from their Malay/Muslim colleagues how to win state governments.