I refer to the Malaysiakini article Why I will not vote for BN .

I refer to the well-written piece by KJ John who expressed his reasons for not voting for BN this time around. I totally understand his frustrations and as an owner of a small business in Malaysia, I can safely say that the business environment here is becoming more and more difficult. Much of it has to do with the fact that there is a clear bias towards non-bumiputeras.

Yesterday, a businessman told me that his company has reached the RM10,000 a year quota allowed for non-bumiputera companies to do business with the government and now has to use other companies to get business from the government. It is this type of climate that many Malaysians are now faced with.

This letter is not about racism but about the oppressive nature of the BN government. How many Malays and Indians in the 'kampungs' and estates live below the poverty line or struggle to make ends meet? It is a shame that a country as wealthy as we are and blessed with rich natural resources cannot find ways to uplift the plight of our rural folk.

While the Auditor-General's reports reveal mismanagement of funds and waste, the 'rakyat' suffers to make ends meet.

I am sure there are many honest, upright men and women in the BN who desire for a change and want to make a difference in society. There are those who believe in integrity, rule of law and in protecting the rights of every citizen on Malaysia.

With all that has happened in the last three years, there are some in BN who are perhaps disillusioned. It is time to jump ship. To make history and to make a difference. There are non- raced based parties out there who can make a difference and who are ready to shape a new Malaysia for all Malaysians.