In many ways, I am delighted to note that Barisan Nasional, from Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad downwards, are still blaming everyone else other than themselves for their defeat in Lunas. They are still under the illusion that they are popular. The longer they carry on like this, the better for Barisan Alternatif.

By the way, could not the opposition coalition be called other than Barisan? I for one hate the word "Barisan" and anything associated with it!

During the last general election, I visited a number of booths belonging to both sides and I saw that unlike the BN workers, the opposition workers are multiracial, dedicated and selfless.

What gives me so much hope for the future is that these opposition workers do not even appear to notice any racial divide. They worked, joked and laughed together. There was not even the slightest hint that they were conscious about race.

In one instance, the candidate was a Malaysian of Sri Lankan origin and yet the workers consisted of young Malays, Chinese and Indians.

The victory in Lunas reflects the above. When the history of Malaysia is written, I suspect the name of Lunas will be written in gold for it was there that racial politics in Malaysia died and where true democracy and freedom were born.