I agree that the uneven playing field and gerrymandering had played a large part in the poor performance of the opposition, especially PAS during the recent general election. There is certainly a continuing and consistent need, on the part of the opposition and NGOs, to level the playing field and also prevent gerrymandering.

Malaysians must understand that levelling the playing field and protesting against gerrymandering are not indication of 'sour grapes' on the part of the opposition. It has to do with the honour and dignity of the nation and the integrity of the system of parliamentary democracy.

They must give full support to this effort of righting wrongs in the electoral system. However, there may also be factors internal to the opposition that contributed to its poor performance. It is time oppositionists honestly acknowledge and rectify their own weaknesses, without forgetting their own strengths. As I see it, these opposition weaknesses are as follows:

One, PAS' misreading of the support it received in the 1999 polls. It was then a popular and moral support for Anwar Ibrahim, and disapproval against Dr Mahathir Mohamad, not an endorsement for the setting up of an Islamic state or making and implementing more Islamic laws.

Two, PAS' overconfidence, overzealousness and unrealistic ambitions (or expectations) after misreading the results of the 1999 polls. All these had caused PAS' resources to be overstretched or overextended, while they also aroused popular fear about change.

Three, PAS did not recognise in time the effect of the 'soft power' of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the mentally and psychologically fatigued Malaysians after five years of uncertainties and anxieties beginning from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

Four, the public bickering among PAS and DAP, as well as between DAP and Keadilan had also demoralised many opposition supporters and, above all, alienated many fence sitting voters who might have voted for a stronger opposition to check and balance the BN.

Five, the inexperience of many Keadilan's otherwise quality candidates in electoral politics and campaigning in complex situations.

Six, DAP's accumulated weaknesses in organisation, planning, coordination, quality of candidates and over-dependence on the images of Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh.

So, while PAS must reform itself to face with a changed and changing time, both Keadilan and DAP must also make adjustments and coordinate in terms of organisation and strategies. But before all these can be done, PAS, Keadilan and DAP must recognise that there are all here to stay for many years to come and none should ever hope to eliminate others.

In other words, PAS, Keadilan and DAP must all find ways and means to accommodate each other by minimising differences and maximising cooperation. Patience and tolerance are virtues, not sins.