So much for "reformasi thinkers"! The reality is that Malaysian politics is essentially ethno-religious based. And why not? Isn't it basic Islamic teaching that the leader of a Muslim country has to be a Muslim - that o­nly Muslims can lead Muslims?

The issue then is reduced to managing the different divergent aspirations between Muslims and non-Muslims. Hence BN's power-sharing formula with Umno at the helm - is the right formula.

I cannot accept the PAS' Islamic state ambition - in that scenario, PAS will not have any power-sharing commitments with non-Muslim political parties. No power-sharing means no peace as far as Malaysia is concerned. Worse still, PAS does not have any serious and realistic economic and foreign policy agenda.

Shouting slogans like "Negara Islam" does not make a mature political entity. What is PAS' policy towards the Muslim minorities in neighbouring Asean countries? How will PAS respond to the challenges of a globalised free trade?

Neither do I accept the meritocratic Malaysian-Malaysia formula of the DAP for it is not built upon pragmatic considerations. It is narrow-minded idealism. Just who exactly constitutes "Malaysian-ness"? It would appear that unity in diversity is the o­nly way to go.

As for meritocracy - the term means different things to different people. For Muslims, Islamic religiosity is certainly part and parcel of the practice of meritocracy.

Consequently, BN is the o­nly rational choice. True, Umno has its flaws. But Umno and BN can deliver in times of crisis because the they are built o­n the solid foundations based of proven realities.