To say that Malaysia is at a crossroads is an understatement. This nation of 52 years is bursting out of her cocoon hanging by a thread with vultures flying around.

Many would like to see the Pakatan Rakyat effort fail but whatever your political ideology let me propose that the success of Pakatan is crucial to the continued peace and prosperity of the nation.

To me, the proof that Malaysians of the various races and religions are able to truly live together in a secular environment will be seen in the success of the Pakatan Rakyat formula. The matrix of interests in the Malaysian society is now more than just ethnic differences.

The Pakatan Rakyat consists of a coalition of ‘truly Malaysians’ of a variety of interests.

PAS, DAP and PKR represent the major interest groups in Malaysia and for them to be able to come to the table to agree on a common platform to govern Malaysia indicates that the nation has reached a new level of maturity through this new politics championed by the opposition.

It is not to say that the Barisan Nasional formula of the last 52 years did not serve the nation. Indeed, through the BN government came much peace and prosperity.

Our forefathers had a vision of uniting Malaysia with a coalition of the three major ethnic groups in the country. However, the race issue had been hijacked over the years to ensure that the BN remains in power and the rakyat held to ransom with fear.

The younger generation, however, do not appreciate living in fear and walking on egg shells each time an ethnic group is offended. The younger generation do not want to merely ‘tolerate’ each another.

Therefore, the coming together of the three major representatives of society through PAS, DAP and PKR and their success in this is not to be belittled.

It is significant for the nation and for the rebirth of Malaysia. It spells hope for the younger generation who have been disillusioned and we all pray earnestly together for their success.