From all the BN engineered negative propaganda against Keadilan since its inception in 1999 and especially in recent months, those of us who are clear eyed can certainly see the greatest and deepest fear of the corrupt, decadent and oppressive elites.

From its very beginning, Keadilan has been demonised with all kinds of images such as 'unruly Malay mob', 'Western agents', 'Islamic fundamentalists' and even 'fellow-traveller of terrorists' But this hilarious and self-contradictory stereotyping of Keadilan has failed pathetically because Malaysians are now more educated, mature, questioning and thinking.

Despite the venomous media attacks, Keadilan at least won five parliamentary and five state seats. Since then many more Malaysians have joined the party, including highly educated professionals like heart surgeon Dr Lee Boon Chye in Ipoh, Dr Xavier Jayakumar in Kuala Lumpur and lawyer Cheah Kah Peng in Penang. They and many other Malaysians have added to the strength of vocal and brave leaders like Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Khalid Jaafar, Tian Chua, Mohamad Ezam Mohamad Nor, Azmin Ali and Irene Fernandez.

The successful merger with PRM also brought in battle-hardened veterans like Dr Syed Husin Ali, Dr Sanusi Othman and Lee Sang.

In short, the last four years have witnessed both qualitative and quantitative growth of Keadilan, a multi- ethnic and mass-based opposition party born out of a historic turning point in the history of Malaysia, under many repressions, trials and tribulations.

Keadilan plays a moderating role at a time of the rise of both religious and racial politics not only in Malaysia but also in the region and the world. It also champions the legitimate rights, hopes and aspirations of all ordinary Malaysians, without causing inter-racial and inter-religious fear and animosity. Given more time, resources and electoral support, Keadilan, as the true epitome of post-Merdeka Malaysian society and nation, is certainly an alternative to Umno, MCA, MIC and all their racialist derivatives and clones.

This is then the greatest and deepest fear of racialists, religious fanatics and opportunists who exploit race and religion for their personal and political gains.

Hence, the continuing demonisation and vilification of Keadilan as well as money induced defections or suppression of its leaders' rights to participate in democratic election. If it is really weak and crumbling, why does the BN use such high-handed, dirty and unscrupulous methods so publicly and shamelessly to attempt to exterminate Keadilan?

However, Malaysians are not that silly or timid. There is much quiet support for Keadilan from all races and classes in Malaysia. Otherwise, how can we explain a Keadilan fundraising dinner in Ipoh that recently attracted 2,000 paying guests? In the Barisan Nasional, it is the party that pays the people to make up the crowd in their functions.

My vote will go to Keadilan. Win or lose, Keadilan will have my continued support because its ideals answer the call of the time. Keadilan is the spirit of the time. Let us support a party that reflects the Malaysian reality.