Party first or country first? I believe this question needs to be answered in deafening clarity by the leaders in Umno and in the ruling coalition, BN. The "perjuangan" which is so often spoken about by the component parties is poles apart from the national agenda for national unity. As long as "Ketuanan Melayu" and the revival of NEP continue to be the main point of reference for Umno and the BN, national unity will suffer.

As a Malaysian of Chinese descent, I will vote and support a political party which is multiracial. A party that seeks justice, upholds the rule of law and a return to the sacredness of the constitution.

The question in my mind now is that if Malaysia is as democratic as she claims to be and God willing, an opposition party wins the next general elections, will the incumbent government hand over power in a peaceful and matured manner?

Will the armed forces and Royal Malaysian Police defend and protect the rights of the Malaysian people and uphold the rule of law to protect the constitution? Or will they respond in a rash and violent manner? It will do the country's image well if the Royal Malaysian Police could state their stand unequivocally on the issue to prove their independence from the executive and to restore the public's confidence in the police force.

Many matured democracies have seen a change in government many times over.This is proof of a working and healthy democracy. But many Asian countries have not demonstrated this in that they have had the same political party ruling since their independence.

The "ruler" mentality is very strong in the minds of Asians but it has bred corruption, nepotism and stifled progressive thoughts and fresh ideas for the development of the nation. Often leaders stay on way past their shelf life, scheming and fighting tooth and nail to stay on in power.

It is my hope that Malaysia will be the first among Asian countries to demonstrate maturity in allowing an opposition party to take over the helm of government should the scenario warrant it. Will there be smooth transition of power and can the security forces be counted on to ensure peace and harmony? We can only wait for the day.

My loyalty to King and country!