I read with disappointment the malaysiakini report that Dr Syed Husin Ali would not be contesting in Kota Bahru. Standing for such a relatively safe seat would ensure that a man whom I strongly believe would be a positive light in Malaysian politics finally receives his day in parliament.

Keadilan has matured at a lightning pace to become a party that is not only conscious of, but actively campaigning for issues such as human rights, gender equality and justice. There can be no greater testament to this than the recent 'attacks' on Keadilan by other parties.

In a modern Malaysia, while race and religion remain important issues, they should not be the basis on which we segregate ourselves. It is inevitable that Malaysia will one day rid itself such archaic practices. But until that time, those who fear change will do their utmost to hang on to the old ways.

PAS, like Umno, through its opposition of Dr Syed running in Kota Bahru, is fearful that a more popular moderate option is available to Muslims. At a time when both Umno and PAS are trying to out-Islam each other, Dr Syed and Keadilan are offering moderate Muslims as well as non-Muslims an alternative to what might end up as a fight to 'Talibanise' Malaysia. PAS has no real issues except an Islamic state under hudud laws.

On the other hand, Umno has two choices: either match moves by PAS on the Islamic issue to convince Muslims that it is pure, clean and honest, or actually be pure, clean and honest by totally wiping out corruption, cronyism and unaccountability towards the people.

Unfortunately the latter is not a luxury available to our current prime minister as weeding out all the unhealthy habits would also mean pressing the self-destruct button on the old ship Barisan National. Simply put, if either party - Umno or PAS - continues to win more seats in the coming elections without the presence of a strong moderating force, all moderate Muslims and non-Muslims will dread the journey down the road.

Since its inception, DAP has striven to make itself the moderating force. However, somewhere along the way it succeeded in alienating Malays and Muslims, and to a certain extent the Indians. Even though it claims to be a multi-racial party, sadly it has become a Chinese party championing the interest of Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh.

Instead, DAP is now concerned that a new force has emerged in the form of Keadilan, which not only appeals to the Malays but also to the Chinese and Indians. Keadilan is able to be the moderating force DAP has failed to be. Like PAS, to stifle the growth of Keadilan, DAP is resorting to sabotaging its fellow opposition's position.

It is disappointing to read that Kit Siang thinks that Keadilan should bend to the wishes of Karpal because it is eternally indebted for Karpal's assistance in Anwar's case. It's ironic that Kit Siang claims this because Anwar is not contesting in Bukit Gelugor nor is he a free man. Even his own party doesn't want Kit Siang to stand.

By his own admission, Karpal works in the Klang Valley and would not be able to serve a constituency in Penang to the best of his ability. While Karpal was indeed once a voice in the parliament, perhaps it is time other opposition leaders' voices be heard.

I feel Keadilan shows great restraint in its handling of the recent incidents, all for the sake of the greater good of denying the BN a two-thirds majority. However, at some point in time it should seriously reconsider its relationship with PAS and DAP. How long can Keadilan go on describing people who continuously stab it in the back as friends and allies?

I believe it is important to have a strong opposition to keep the Barisan National government 'honest'. Therefore, I am concerned about what would happen if Keadilan is marginalised in the coming election.

As a personal wish, I hope Dr Syed will now consider contesting in my constituency of Kelana Jaya. I believe the people here are not as narrow-minded as those found in Kelantan and will be able to appreciate the contribution that Dr Syed will bring.