The latest tiff between DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) on the allocation of seats in the forthcoming election is another in the series of problems between the two political parties.

DAP's long term ideal of a just democratic Malaysia can be enhanced if it can come out from its Chinese image niche, and explore the possibility of merging with Keadilan, which has moved ahead into a more mature multiethnic polity.

If DAP wants to do justice to its ideal, one of the best options will be to merge with Keadilan and further broaden the multiethnic platform , which is now capturing the minds of Malaysians.

Instead of going into confrontations to grab seats, it can demonstrate greater sincerity and magnanimity by showing a more prudent attitude towards the unifying efforts taken by Keadilan to bring Malaysians into a greater level of unity.

Both the global and national scenario is towards a multiethnic political organisation, where the vestige of the'divide and rule' left by the colonial masters, and adopted by Umno-BN, can be dismantled.

Why fight for seats when a step towards unity is a viable option. Malaysians want a nation salvaged from the scourge of racial discrimination - when a opportunity presents, seizing it will be true wisdom.