Anwar Ibrahim's battle cry to stamp out race-based politics hits the nail on its head if we are to progress and prosper as a nation. Unfortunately, we do not hear it from any of the ruling coalition candidates for obviously it does not sit well with their grand plans for domination of our economic agenda.

Malaysia will become a net importer of oil by 2011. It remains to be seen whether Petronas will be as successful in her overseas endeavours but what is certain is that we will no longer be able to tap our natural resources for 'free' and 'easy' money to finance our development projects.

With the extra strain on the government to find money to run the country, income tax will be a key source of income. Simply put, businesses have to be more profitable, and this means lowering the cost of doing business and also by being competitive especially for overseas markets. As it stands now the future looks bleak when we fail to tap and encourage the best technocrats and managers regardless of race and provide a level playing field for all talent to flourish.

As others have pointed out, if the present trend continues, it will be sooner rather than later when the Chinese in Malaysia will make up only 20 percent of the population. At that time, when there is no longer a bogeyman for the Malays to blame, internal bickering will take place and Umno will die a natural death. But will it be too late for the country?

A vote for Barisan will only perpetuate the present policies which are dividing us as a nation, when what the country needs is a major change in approach to politics. A change in mindset embracing ‘prosper thy neighbour’ and helping the unfortunate regardless of race, must be inculcated.

We need to recognise and tap each other’s strengths rather than emphasise our differences in order to survive global challenges. It will not be easy with over 50 years of prejudice and discrimination to overcome but our future depends on it.

In our hands, come election day, is the chance to start this process of change. Vote for change before it is too late to matter.