I certainly cannot fully agree with Suresh Gnasegarah as to the lack of objectives and direction attributed to Keadilan. For a relatively new party, I think it has done well.

Given that the party is pitted against a giant that uses unfair means to put away almost all its able and forceful leaders, thereby putting fear into its supporters, Keadilan is still able to maintain the support of many fair-minded people.

There is a pool of intelligent and articulate supporters who are waiting for the right time to show their support openly. As we all know, students and civil servants are not supposed to take part in politics unless they are members of Barisan Nasional.

The motivation for members of opposition is poles apart from that governing the ruling coalition. The former is driven by a strong sense of justice and fair play under adverse conditions, while the latter is usually for personal gain under more than adequate financial and organisational support.

To me, the ill-treatment of Keadilan's leaders - who are under detention or in jail - seems more like persecution than punishment. The level of harshness in treatment may well reflect the fear that Keadilan indeed has strong support or the potential for it.

As a fair-minded person, I would naturally support a party that is unfairly treated in order to give it the benefit of doubt for its shortcomings in terms of leadership and organisation.

The problem with Suresh's view lies in his expectation that Keadilan aims to or can replace BN in o­ne general election.