The malaysiakini 'Letters to the Editor' section provides very interesting readings. I would say that the political debate has been, and will continue to be, lively. The two constants which I could detect in the debate are that the BN government has become incompetent and at the same time, Alternative Front is not ready to rule.

After reading the poem, A tribute to Umnoputras, I was amazed and felt great admiration for the writer's creativity. This poem has prompted me to contribute my humble opinions. I fully agree that the BN has outlived its usefulness. Umno started with noble intentions but for a long time now, national policies initiated by it have only the effect of prolonging its rule. Many of its actions, in my mind, serve only as wholesale bribery to promote its own selfish interests.

Despite the low Internet penetration rate in the country, I urge readers to support their chosen opposition party or parties financially with the hope that this material support can result in more good men joining the Alternative Front. This is how matured democracies work.

Do not expect our opposition leaders to emulate Chairman Mao and his gang of rebels in China. I do not agree with the violence they perpetrated to gain power. Neither do I want to see Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang, his son Guan Eng and many others, in forced detention in Kamunting.

I do not believe that you can reform the BN from within. The failure of Anwar Ibrahim is noteworthy. Another example is Koh Tsu Koon. He has not been able to bring about significant improvement in the government's financial allotment to Chinese schools in all the years he has served in the government. And I do not hold any high hopes for him irrespective of whether he remains in Penang or is transferred to the federal cabinet.

Part of my modest contributions will go to PAS which, in my mind, is capable of giving Umno a 'bloody nose' in the Malay heartland, to borrow a favourite expression of the late MGG Pillai.