I always believe that for a liberal democratic system to thrive, we need a strong, coherent and vibrant opposition force to impose checks and balances on the ruling elite. That is why my family and I always vote for the opposition, especially DAP and now Keadilan too.

However, after reading Dr Kua Kia Soong's opinion piece, 'Coalition politics for dummies' (Aug 13) I feel really sad that DAP still has not reformed itself to be stronger, more consistent and more trustworthy. DAP still survives, not on its own organisational and intellectual powers, but only by exploiting the goodness of others like PAS and Keadilan.

DAP and its supporters must learn the true meaning of reciprocity. If DAP demands others to drop their ideologies, others could also demand DAP to drop 'Malaysian Malaysia' and 'Democratic Socialism'.

The most DAP, as a coalition member, could do, is to advise and caution fraternal parties. Former DAP leaders and members joining Keadilan or PRM is good for the Barisan Alternatif and even the DAP as a whole. By joining Keadilan and PRM, they can help to contribute to BA which would indirectly benefit DAP's weakness.

If DAP cannot find a qualified and presentable candidate for a certain constituency, it should be given to those who are qualified, from Keadilan or PRM to help them win. DAP should not think that opposition supporters would not criticise selfish, perfidious, incompetent and timid opposition leaders.

Only by purging these low quality oppositionists could we hope to inject higher quality ones. There is plenty of time to destroy an unreformed DAP and build a new one. Short-term pain is better than indefinite torment of the soul. An unreformed DAP is now serving the interests of Umno and Barisan Nasional. So, DAP, reform or be destroyed!