Pakatan Rakyat would like to congratulate Aung San Suu Kyi for this historic achievement by the National League for Democracy (NLD). This positive development is a step forward following its decades-long fight for democracy.

From now on the fight continues in parliament. Overall, everyone can now have a more optimistic outlook of Burma's future.

It was reported that the leader of the NLD, Suu Kyi, had won her bid for a seat in parliament in the recent Burmese by-elections held yesterday.

It was also reported that NLD has claimed victory in 43 of the 44 seats it contested.

The victory, if confirmed, would be a major breakthrough in Burma's democratic process. A free and fair election is a crucial factor for Burma to move forward.

However, it would be naïve to believe that the journey will be all smooth from here. Despite being voted in, Suu Kyi is set to face a very hostile lower house with 80 percent of the seats belonging to the governing party.

Also, one should be cautioned of being too optimistic as in spite of the guarantee that elections will be conducted freely and fairly, there are more than 50 reports of vote irregularities surfacing, plus allegations of illegal activities and intimidation by official entities.

For the time being, though the result of the by-election seems to indicate a brighter future, events and developments from today onwards need to be carefully observed before we can be certain that Burma is moving forward.

As Burma moves forward, Malaysia needs to be reminded not to fall behind as far democratic practices are concerned.

The Malaysian government should also play a more important role in facilitating Burma's democratic transition.

Kamaruddin Jaffar is PAS International Bureau chief and MP for Tumpat; Liew Chin Tong is DAP International secretary and MP for Bukit Bendera; and Yusmadi Yusoff is PKR International Bureau chairperson and MP for Balik Pulau.