Suqui's appeals may have been silenced for now but the whole appalling episode of how the organisation has been cowed into capitulation has doubtless added to the prevalent anger against the government and its policy makers. It has also exposed the hypocrisy of Umno, MCA and its coalition members.

I recall reading about Suqiu's [#1]memorandum[/#] in a very small column in the Star before the 1999 general elections and thought it was extremely appealing, that change was really possible! It didn't cause a stir then. No one batted an eyelid. It appears any issue can be manipulated at any time for political gains.

Although Suqiu has been battered into submission ([#2]Gerakan played major role in Suqiu's capitulation[/#], Jan 11), I am glad that it happened, for the ensuing charade has demonstrated to ordinary people that racial politics is a spent force and has little future. Let us support Suqiu for having the guts to raise these very points in the first place. Other parties may claim to represent the Chinese but they really have nothing to say.

Any party out there that is willing to make these appeals their election manifesto for the next election will surely get my vote.