After quitting the Barisan Alternatif in September and boasting that it has the ability and capacity to survive independently, the always opportunistic DAP is now openly proposing to set up a so-called 'secular' opposition front comprising itself, Keadilan and PRM. Why?

Is it because the DAP has realised that it cannot possibly survive alone, having to face the danger of fighting a two-front war in the coming general elections?

I put it to DAP that without the support of voters loyal to Anwar Ibrahim, PAS, Keadilan and PRM, DAP would have been completely destroyed by the might of Barisan Nasional in the 1999 general elections.

There is no need for DAP to justify their argument because it could try to stand alone in the coming general elections, challenging two fronts simultaneously.

As for those of us who support the BA, we are willing to fight it out with Umno and BN in the long run. Winning as many seats as possible in the coming general elections is certainly good and desirable, but unlike DAP, leaders and members of BA have made preparations to engage in the struggle for democracy, human rights and justice for all as a longer process. We have the patience and fortitude.

We cannot afford to sacrifice the interests of the future generation of Malaysians because of myopic short-term gains.

What surprises and shocks me more is the manner DAP proposed the establishment of the new front. Why did DAP throw it out in the open without approaching leaders of Keadilan and PRM first?

My opinion is that DAP is not sincere at all. It has no reasonable expectation that its proposal will be accepted. By proposing openly and expecting rejection, it merely wants to pit Keadilan/PRM against PAS, and to discredit Keadilan/PRM (especially its non-Muslim leaders) in the eyes of the non-Muslim opposition supporters.

Mark my words: DAP will launch all-out attacks on the Chinese and Indian leaders of Keadilan/PRM very soon, alleging them to be 'apologists of Islamic state' and 'turncoats'.

The purpose is viciously simple - to prevent Keadilan/PRM from transforming into a genuine mass-based multi-ethnic party, and extending its political influence in the traditional turfs of DAP.

BA should stay united and enhance mutual trust. Keadilan/PRM should continue to adjust itself towards moderation and become even more acceptable to all Malaysians. Malays/Muslims in BA should give full support to our brave Chinese and Indian brothers and sisters in our common quest for democracy, human rights, national unity and universal values.

Malays/Muslims in BA must also give full support to other Malaysians in their struggle for political recognition and participation in national politics, as well as cultural and religious expressions.

Reciprocally, Chinese and Indians must see to it that upright Muslims/Malays be supported in the struggle against oppression and persecution.

Let us not be divided again by any false dichotomies like between Muslims and non-Muslim, or 'theocracy versus secularism'.