With the politics of fear working so well for Barisan Nasional where Chinese voters are concerned, the only way for Barisan Alternatif to turn things around is to educate them with patience.

Their fear is very real, with memories of May 13 and what has happened to the Chinese in Indonesia a few years ago, we shouldn't be cynical about their attitude. What BN has done all these years hasn't given them a sense of belonging to this land. So please, be patient with them.

In my humble opinion, the best people to educate them are not the Chinese politicians or activists but a combination of Chinese and Malay politicians and activists. There's nothing more comforting and convincing when they see the Malays are not about to persecute them should BN lose in the next election. Tell them you'll protect them should something undesirable happen, and you'll win their trust and support.

They are scared. And they are frustrated too. We have close to four years till the next general election to educate them, and we should.