I am a non-partisan and independent businessman. Allow me to air my views on the coming general elections.

There is no doubt that the Barisan Nasional will be returned as the federal government again because it has commanded huge resources. All the legislative, judiciary and executive powers are on its side.

Theoretically, a strong government would guarantee stability and prosperity. However, many empirical facts and historical experiences do not support this theory.

For the last 22 years, a strong Barisan Nasional government only breeds corruption, abuses of power, cronyism and nepotism to the detriment of the interests of the small and medium enterprises managed by non-partisan and honest businessmen like me. The malaise associated with the strong Barisan Nasional government spread right from the top (at the cabinet level) to bottom (municipal councils).

So, while we need a working government, we also need a strong opposition to champion the interests of small and medium businessmen. Otherwise, corruption, nepotism and cronyism will become even worse after the coming general election.

To vote for the opposition is not to hate the government, but only a smart and legitimate way for little people in modern society to check and balance powers which could be abused by arrogant and unaccountable elites.