The fate of the minorities has been amplified during this general election. As the Gerakan chief mentioned, a candidate from a minority community will not be favoured by the Chinese voters.

The Umno leaders are also becoming increasingly vocal on this matter. This trend is definitely on the rise, and there may come a time when the minority community candidate is purposely defeated to prove a point by the Malay or Chinese majority component parties, especially when the other candidate is from their own race.

Even in this election, it is not a secret that in the constituencies where the candidates are from the minority parties, some local chiefs of the major component parties had initially shown the displeasure by closing their operation rooms.

This has become a tactic to squeeze the minority parties for 'concessions.' The minority parties seem to be at the mercy of the others. The Barisan Nasional concept is just on paper. The national leaders can give directives - but the situation at the grassroots is entirely different.

Given the short period between nomination and polling, the dilemma of minority party candidates can be enormous.

Even if the minority parties win the seats - with some sympathy from the senior component parties - their role does not serve the interests of the minority community that they represent. Are they representing the constituency or the minority community?

At present they are trying to do both and by all accounts have failed miserably. Once in five years this drama is staged and we are supposed to be content that democracy has served us well.

Personally, I believe that for a proper representation of the minorities, there must be reserved seats where only candidates from the minorities can stand. One of the tasks of these representatives should be to take up issues affecting their relevant communities.

Of course, this will be viewed as a retrogressive step by some - but given the manner Malaysian politics has grown, only such safeguards will give some hope for the minorities to be heard.

Otherwise, the major community-based parties are going to further erode the position of the minorities. Lip-service during elections and at the annual general meetings (AGMs) of the minority parties does not suffice. The minority communities must be assured of their stake in this country's future.

The current set-up was envisaged for a highly nationally-integrated society but this has not emerged; hence we must be proactive in thinking of viable alternatives.