When Pakatan Rakyat captured the Hulu Selangor constituency - considered a BN/MIC bastion - it clearly revealed a strong message of dissatisfaction and frustration from the people. This after repeated failures by BN/MIC to fulfill some of their election promises. Even then, before 2008, the people of Hulu Selangor still kept their loyalty for BN/MIC with fervent hope that the BN/MIC would be able to deliver eventually.

However, only promises kept on coming. Little goodies were distributed, street lights and traffic lights were reparied or new ones installed etc, all of this just before the crucial election for another term.

The results of the last general election should have served as an eyeopener for Umno and its silent partners that there was a serious requirement to amend their ways and see how past mistakes could be rectified to restore the people's confidence in their leadership and governance.

But what we have seen since than is only a show of force, might and arrogance to make it look like they are the formidable and indispensable choice of the people or else the people were going to face doom.

It is seen that the Pakatan Rakyat state government of Selangor, in the last two years, is really doing its work despite strong resistance and barriers to curtail its performance towards gaining greater momentum and recognition. Hence, Pakatan should be given the opportunity to show it can do a better job than BN.

Look at BN's track record over the past 50 years of governance that no doubt produced great infrastructure and prestigious landmarks. But it has failed miserably, especially in matters pertaining to race and religious tolerance and fair and trustworthy execution of duties.

If it is left to proceed with this pace and tempo, the country is envisaged to reach a point where we have become paupers and are waiting for hand-outs from outside benefactors.

Pakatan's internal squabbling, disputes and defections may show the coalition is losing its appeal and reliability. However, looking at the lame excuses given by some disgruntled party members, one tends to conclude that these are just fortune-seekers and crybabies who use their position to demand what they desire without any consideration for the interests of the party and the people who put them there.

What is important is that we want a change for the better and the coalition comprising PAS, PKR and DAP who, though have different ideologies and previously seen as bitter opponents, have come together in the interest of the rakyat and have shown high levels of tolerance and acceptance over quite difficult situations troubling the nation while BN chose to show its authority and power.

The voters of Hulu Selangor must give Pakatan a chance towards change for the better for everyone of their residents. If you choose to think (again) that BN will finally deliver, then just keep hoping but do not complain when they do not. Results matter more than anything else. Each vote is vital and should be used wisely.