Some analysts have said that the election results may herald the beginning of a two-party system. A new era of Malaysian politics may have begun.

It's clear that race-based parties are on the way out. A coalition of race-based parties does not work when one party has dominance over the others. The Chinese and Indians shunning of MCA, MIC and Gerakan in the polls have sent a strong message to BN to that effect. Each race fighting for rights and privileges under a race based system does nothing for national unity. The nation loses its competitiveness.

If DAP, PKR and PAS can rule the states under them credibly over next five years, the next general elections will be a tough one for BN. Using the same strategy, the opposition may be able to win enough seats to collectively form the federal government. It will no longer be about denying BN a 2/3rd majority but toppling them.

Pak Lah can help here with his weak and ineffective rule which promises more scandals and corruption. With the hated son-in-law having the PM's ear, Umno will be wrecked with internal factions. PKR will grow in strength. The Internet will loosen the mainstream media's grip on information even further.

More young and well informed voters who demand accountability will join the electorate. The native parties in Sarawak and Sabah owe no political allegiance to Umno and may just as well switch sides depending on the prevailing wind

As early as the next general elections, BN could be toppled and Anwar would be prime minister. With affirmative action cancelled, the country can then move forward rather than being held back with racial policies. Instead of a continual brain drain of the brightest and best, Malaysians overseas will come back to build the new Malaysia. It's an exciting prospect.

Of course, this future will not happen if the opposition parties fall to bickering and PAS spouts its religious extremism again. A strong and capable leader can unite the disparage parties and hold them together. It can only be Anwar.

'From Prisoner to Prime Minister’. One day a headline will read.