It was with much interest that I monitored the Malaysian mainstream media headlines in the aftermath of the recent general elections. Already known for being the mouthpiece of the ruling parties, I was keen to observe to what tune the media would dance to now that Barisan Nasional have been denied 2/3rds parliamentary majority and lost governance of four states on top of Kelantan.

Would they pander to the opposition or would they now present a balanced view? Alas, it was neither of the two, but a third scenario which, being optimistic, I had foolishly ignored in my permutations. Not only are they voraciously holding strong behind Barisan Nasional, they have also become the mouthpiece for what can only be described as vitriol from the wounded.

It need not be said how important and crucial the role of the media is when it comes to the world we live in today. The fact that one of the demands of the Bersih movement was fair access to mainstream media underlined how important the opposition parties saw the media and how it would contribute to levelling a lopsided political playing field.

Many commentators, too, have observed how the war was 'won' by the Barisan Rakyat through the Internet and other alternative media, a resource which they were unable to fully utilise in previous elections. To therefore see the mainstream media - mostly via newspapers - being irresponsibly used by key players of Barisan Nasional as a way to express their frustration and lash out at the people who did not see them fit to be given a larger ruling mandate is both worrying and sad.

Coverage of only one side of the story is something that we have gotten used to in recent years, but it seems sad that instead of introspectively searching to see what led to the people's support deserting them, Barisan Nasional and Umno leaders in particular are more keen to chastise and patronise voters with a tone that implies we do not know better.

Instead of licking their wounds in such a public manner, BN, if they are earnest about wanting to make Malaysia a better place for all Malaysians, should use this opportunity to clean up their act and rid themselves of the baggage that is holding them back. They should use this as an opportunity to evaluate where they may have gone wrong, things they have taken for granted and come back refreshed for the 13th general elections.

With the Barisan Rakyat working towards fulfilling their promises - a burden of proof that is immense on their shoulders - and Barisan Nasional refreshed and renewed for the 21st century, the people of Malaysia would surely benefit from a government that is no longer complacent, but instead always aware of the fact that one wrong step could jeopardise their position.

But this doesn't seem like it is the case. Judging by the headlines emblazoned across mainstream newspapers these past few days, a lot has yet to be done before the term 'responsible and fair reporting' can ever be used to describe them.

I do, however, offer congratulations to the alternative media which, despite being seen by many as the voice of the Opposition/Barisan Rakyat, were quick and fair when it came to reporting Lim Kit Siang's statement on the Perak MB affair, knowing full well that such news would show the cracks in the Barisan Rakyat coalition.

If all this wound-licking and chastising the Malays in the mainstream media is an attempt by BN to try and win - or shame - the hearts of those who have been smart enough to read between the racial lines of segregation, then I fear this is a much misguided approach.

Neither will harping on and on about the issue of Malay rights endear them to those who feel it is about time the Malays removed the shackles of the DEB and achieve their potential without being constricted by policies that only benefited a few choice candidates.

I now sit and wait for the moment when BN will realises that such an approach is counter-productive to them; and hope they will be more adult and honourable in accepting the loss of votes. I just hope the moment does not come too late, when the damage they have done has become irreparable.