I refer to the Malaysiakini report Electoral pact: DAP, PKR hit impasse in Perak.

DAP and PKR should achieve an agreement on the seat allocations on the principle that such seat allocations will maximise the number of seats to be won by the opposition on the whole in the coming 12th general elections (that is, DAP + PKR = maximum seats).

To voters, whether DAP or PKR wins may not be of much importance so long as the opposition wins. Of course, such seat allocations involve sacrifices by both the parties and it is easier said than done.

But the same problem happens in Barisan Nasional too. The consistent disputes over electoral seat allocations by the leaders of MIC and PPP is just one example. But there have always been a solution for the Barisan Nasional where only one candidate from the coalition would stand for election in a constituency.

DAP and PKR, too, should ensure that only one candidate from either of the parties be nominated for any one constituency. Having two or more opposition candidates in a constituency forces voters to make difficult choices.

It will also split the votes for the opposition and will finally result in the surrender of the constituency to BN - just like what happened in so many areas in the 2004 general elections.

Therefore, it is most desirable that DAP and PKR (and PAS too) reach the critical agreement on the seat allocations as soon as possible and proceed to the election to win as many seats as possible.

In my opinion, any disagreement can be resolved after the general elections.