The proposal by DAP national chairperson, Lim Kit Siang in London for the formation of an opposition front comprising only DAP, Keadilan and PRM, is in my opinion a ploy to disintegrate the present opposition front, Barisan Alternatif which also comprises PAS.

Keadilan and PRM must be careful in their response in order not to fall into the trap. Let me state my reasons for my argument.

To exclude PAS from any opposition front is to save Umno because as it is now, only PAS is organisationally and politically strong enough to check Umno in the heartland.

PAS is needed in any opposition front that resist Umno in its attempt to concentrate powers. Only when and if Umno is strongly resisted by PAS could other opposition parties hope to fight BN in other constituencies with less concentration of the resources of Umno and BN.

As long as Umno could destroy or weaken PAS, and particularly Keadilan/PRM, it will not mind giving way to a few Chinese/Indian oppositionists like Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh who, while vocal, could not threaten the core of the undemocratic regime.

If Umno is secure vis-a-vis PAS, Keadilan and PRM, it could even afford to have a few more Chinese and Indian opposition members in parliament to show to the world that 'we are democratic'. In other words, DAP alone as an opposition could be made used by Umno for window dressing.

On the other hand, it would be unwise for Keadilan/PRM to abandon PAS to join the proposed front led by DAP.

PAS, even though we disagree with the ultimate objective it proclaims, is more sincere and consistent in standing by friends and helping allies in times of crisis.

I think PAS is more trustworthy than DAP as an ally and friend. DAP, in contrast, attacks enemies and friends without distinction when it feels its self-centered interests are threatened, and a classic case in point is the Sarawak state elections. An earlier case is the Lunas by-election.

As parties fighting for long-term goals, Keadilan and PRM should be cool and calm, and make more rational, ethical and consistent decisions. Only short-sighted opportunists and political gamblers who think only they are clever while the others are silly would think that joining and breaking an alliance could be done without regard to the feelings, sentiments and opinions of the masses on the ground, or by a few press statements.

My assessment is that DAP is getting panicky. It certainly cannot obtain any votes from Malay/Muslim oppositionists if BA field Chinese/Indian candidates to contest against it. It cannot even be sure of getting Chinese/Indian opposition votes because of its weak organisation, poor grassroots work and alienation from the organised Chinese civil society.

It is DAP which should return to BA. However, for BA to accept back DAP, the latter has to prove that it is no more unreliable and capricious. It has to prove its sincerity and stop stabbing friends and allies in the back. Otherwise, let DAP live or die as it wishes.