The aftermath of the Indera Kayangan by-election saw the erosion of DAP's influence among the Chinese. The high-spirited Keadilan Chinese members and supporters who worked hard to promote Keadilan and its multiethnic philosophy gave the signal that the epicenter of Chinese opposition has drifted from DAP and is moving towards a multiethnic political paradigm.

As mentioned earlier, DAP's political boundary was confined within the opposition sphere, it never had the race mix and strength to become an alternative to the ruling coalition.

Besides, DAP had no answer to the 'May 13 fear weapon' which Umno-BN conveniently used to intimidate Chinese voters during elections.

In this context, DAP must re-examine its reasons for existence, its role and relevance in a fast changing political landscape where the racial politics of Umno-BN is progressively weakening amid the birth of the Malay-led multiethnic polity of Keadilan in the aftermath of the Anwar Ibrahim saga.

DAP leadership must come to terms with the reality that a party cannot simply exist for the sake of preserving it. Its reasons for existence must be crystal clear and beneficial, both in the short and long terms of any political struggle.

Just like Umno's racial politics is gradually losing its relevance in the wake of multiethnic politics, DAP will face this natural change where humanity's collective wisdom is now favouring human unity.

Racism is a fallacious doctrine, to discriminate against any race, on the grounds it is socially backward, politically immature and numerically in a minority, is flagrant violation of universal truth and natural human rights.

Having understood its limitations and its progressively weakening track record as an opposition party, DAP must conduct an independent survey to ascertain its popularity.

In the absence of other viable multiethnic opposition parties, non-Malays could only turn to DAP but the situation has changed after the Anwar Ibrahim debacle where the majority of Malays having become aware of Umno's unhealthy politics, refuse to support the feudal party, laden with allegations of corruption and power abuse.

DAP must realise that if the Chinese join hands with Keadilan, Malaysia will benefit with the presence of a very strong alternative to the Umno-BN coalition. Only a very strong Malay-based multiethnic alternative party can provide an effective challenge to Umno-BN.

DAP leaders must sacrifice their personal agendas for a national agenda. DAP must have the magnanimity and wisdom to join the ranks of Keadilan and help in the reformation of a unhealthy government.

Opposition must embark on continuous experimentation and improvement exercises so that the best system can be created.

Malaysians must advance into a more matured political scenario, they must usher the inception of multiethnic politics which can remove fanaticism which Umno uses to cling on to power.

All of us must contribute to the coming of age of Malaysian politics , which must be characterised by the flowering of a polity beyond the confines of racial fanaticism and devoid of blatant abuse of power.