Deputy Education Minister Hon Choon Kim has been quoted as saying that the Negeri Sembilan state legislative assembly does not need any opposition representatives, on the argument that the opposition could not deliver any concrete work but merely make noise in the assembly.

The statement coming from an MCA state chairperson, reflects the typical arrogant and conceited attitude of the Barisan Nasional. Coming from someone who once suggested that students should carry laptops to school instead of heavy school bags, it was not surprising. Without opposition to the proposal, students would probably be carrying laptops by now.

Without having to answer to those pesky opposition representatives, BN would have no one to question their choice in using more expensive methods of solving flash floods, parking, waste disposal and so on.

During nomination day for the last general election, I overheard common folks discussing the calibre of candidates. A Hakka-speaking voter, when commenting on the construction of roads and drains, simply said: "What is the big deal? It is just like the buying of meat and vegetables from the market. With the money, everyone can do it!"

Yet, the BN is proud to put signs where there are construction of roads and buildings to say that this, is 'another project by Barisan Nasional'.

This brings us to the current unfair practice where all kinds of development work is handled by BN representatives alone. When opposition representatives want to visit the schools, he is told no politicians are allowed. Yet, BN representatives can attend prize-giving day and pledge funds.

Many students were put off when an Umno representative said in his speech something to the effect of "now with the participation of Umno in this school, many things can be done." In other words, nothing can be done unless they are the ones holding the purse strings.