The recent hype and publicity surrounding PKR appears to have diverted a lot of attention from the party itself and its ideals.

While alleged internal divisions and personal 'art projects' are clearly the stuff of sensationalism, where has the debate regarding a truly multi-racial mould of politics, ending unequal, discriminative and corrupt economic distribution policies, and enshrining human rights in Malaysia gone?

Umno has gone on a fierce offensive against PKR recently, harping on departures (such as Ezam's) and Tian Chua's photo.

These are not particularly strong criticisms. The majority of Umno's presidents left the party, and Umno is still there (or, more strictly speaking, Umno Baru is still there). Both PAS and DAP have had top leaders come and go, and both parties are still there.

PKR has not begrudged our former members their right to follow their individual consciences in choosing their avenue to pursue political opportunities. Some leave, and the newspapers are awash with news; many, many more join, but all is quiet.

Tian has clearly stated that the 'art project' was his own, and has both allowed and welcomed debate as to his actions. The New Straits Times , in a reversal of its policy regarding reporting from the blogosphere, has even carried some of such comments.

These facts notwithstanding, PKR should not take the bait in being bogged down and miss the forest for the trees. In fact, Umno's ferocity in harping on what are almost non-issues point strongest to two things.

Firstly, that Umno refuses to engage on the real core issues that PKR stands for - a commitment to choosing equality over discrimination and bigotry as well as true justice for all, regardless of ethnicity or class. This refusal stems from the simple fact that PKR clearly has the ideological high ground in these matters.

By harping on non-issues, Umno continues to attempt to cover up and divert attention from the endemic corruption it is causing that continues to rob the country dry, and its claimed racial supremacy that is tearing apart the social fabric of Malaysia.

Secondly, Umno has come out in full force against PKR for the simple reason that for the first time since 1969 perhaps, PKR's principles and formulas pose a credible, viable alternative to the Umno/BN formula.

For the first time in their generation, Umnoputeras can see the writing on the wall - that unless they resort to the most desperate means available, they are facing the extinction that comes naturally to all despots, bigots and dictators.