With each by-election, Barisan Alternatif seems to be losing its edge. Prior to the 1999 elections, the people were full of hope that it was a possible alternative to the aging and increasingly wilful Barisan Nasional.

We witness instead, with each by-election with the exception of Indera Kayangan, a bitter squabble between DAP and Keadilan over the right to contest. It looks like another is about to happen in Ketari.

Ketari has traditionally been a DAP contested seat since 1974. The DAP has twice given way in previous by-elections. Squabbling over this seat would be very distressing to the alternative voters, and would again show the immaturity of the opposition parties.

It would again indicate to the voters that the opposition, especially Keadilan, have yet to get their priorities right. Where is the will to compromise, to work together and to pass the test of political maturity?

The next general elections is not too far away, Ketari will probably be the last opportunity for the opposition to show their strength and unity to the voters, and to prove their viability as alternative to BN.

Win or lose in Ketari, the opposition's unity will prove more formidable and speak volumes to the voters in the next general elections.

It is pretty obvious that the DAP candidate lost by such a narrow margin (231 votes) in the 1999 elections with help from the alternative coalition — Keadilan, PAS, PRM. Their co-operation will give BN a good fight again this time. We voters are eagerly waiting to see if this can take place.

If they can show us their strength in unity, the voters will have more faith to vote for them in future. Let the alternative voice be loud and clear in unison. Let the DAP be the flag bearer in Ketari.