I refer to the Malaysiakini report Poll-winning Pakatan-Hindraf combo .

Hindraf should not work with Pakatan Rakyat just for narrow, ethnic-based political gain. Hindraf, as an NGO, should work with whichever coalition that is weaker in order to ensure a truly two-coalition, competitive, Parliament in Malaysia.

Hindraf can also split its political support in Penang between the state and federal levels and - ironically - achieve political consistency and reconcile with its supporters.

By supporting the underdog coalition, Hindraf can maximise its political influence by keeping both BN and Pakatan on their toes and competing intensely so that they will always need Hindraf, the Indians and other minority groups.

For now, it is clear that Pakatan is the weaker coalition and BN is the bully. Hindraf will be wise to commit to strengthening Pakatan at the parliamentary level despite Pakatan’s many flaws. If one day Pakatan becomes the bully, then throw your weight behind BN.

The same reasoning will allow Hindraf to split its political support and assuage its supporters who are angry with certain Pakatan policies, especially in Penang. The Penang state government has snubbed and disappointed Hindraf supporters over the Kampung Buah Pala issue, especially regarding the final approval of the development project there dated after the March 2008 general election.

Hindraf can always ask its supporters to vote against Pakatan for state-level elections in Penang, particularly against DAP candidates that lead Penang. At the same time, Hindraf must urge its supporters to support DAP at the federal-level (parliamentary) elections, even in Penang.

This split of opposing DAP/Pakatan at the state level and supporting DAP/Pakatan at the federal level in Penang will put DAP/Pakatan on notice for better governance on state and land matters. It will benefit not just the Indians, but all Malaysians.

The support for DAP/Pakatan at the parliamentary level will go a long way in helping the country solve most of its problems that originate from an excessively powerful federal government dominated by BN, which abuses its power over many issues from transport planning and licensing, to low-cost housing allocation, oppressive law enforcement and increasing religious intolerance.

It is also these issues that hurt the opportunities and upward mobility of the Indians and other minorities.

Vote-splitting is consistent with the principle of supporting the underdog to achieve better competition: DAP/Pakatan are the underdogs in Parliament but they are too strong in Penang.