As the nation awakens to an unprecedented beginning in its new chapter in its history, it is also timely to re-visit the 12th GE with critical thinking and reflection for therein lies the opportunity to learn and profit further. The following are some of the observations that deserve serious attention.

While the BN spent millions of ringgit on media publicity and promotional paraphernalia, the 'Opposition' tasted victory with sparse election paraphernalia and limited publicity. Trying to get a message across just because that is what you want to tell is a bad start. Appreciating what the audience wants to hear or know will alone guarantee success.

While the BN contracted out its elections weaponry, the 'Opposition' relied on unpaid volunteers and small groups to churn out homemade banners by burning midnight oil. When you talk about issues affecting voters connecting this with the efforts of the rakyat themselves, it becomes readily acceptable.

This unlike expensive billboards brandishing youthful and rejuvenated portraits of leaders which are remote, disengaged and irrelevant to the issues at hand.

While BN relied on paid volunteers, with free jackets, caps, meals and refreshments thrown in, the vast majority of 'Opposition' camps survived on pure volunteerism with mere hugs, thank yous and kind words for rewards. Therein lies the difference between passion and an opportunity for a quick buck.

While BN denied media space in the mainstream media for the 'Opposition' as an election strategy, this later turned to the opposition’s advantage instead. It entrenched the belief that there is no level playing ground in Malaysia's media-scape and therefore all that the ruling party says cannot be swallowed.

While BN enjoyed choice sites and good-looking tents for its hired help at polling stations, the 'Opposition' were noticeably left with obscured disadvantaged places to pitch their modest tents. This spoke volumes to the voters upon arrival at the stations.

While BN leaders had every opportunity to acknowledge their poor performance as the vote count progressed, they failed to seize the day to garner empathy votes. BN's denial and inability to respond further convinced those who cast their votes to the 'Opposition' that they were right after all about their decision.

While BN leaders were mostly dressed extremely well and arrived almost ceremoniously to cast their votes, their opponents came in simple daily ware and without any fanfare. Given the on-going issues at hand, this can have a powerful impact on decision-making among the affected rakyat.

While BN machinery paid scant attention to non-verbal and emotional intelligence in their communication efforts, the 'Opposition' chose to communicate in the 'language' of the commoner.

While BN used the money at its disposal to fund its game plan, the 'Opposition' stretched out its 'donation bag' literally begging for help. In doing so, BN's opponents were successful in making the potential voters take ownership of the campaigns. The likely voter now became a part of the cause while BN distanced itself from its community.

While BN chose to brandish its messages with subtle threats - at speeches, press conferences and on printed posters - the opponents drove ib overdrive with ground level sentiments of ''Makkal Sakthi'. BN was going top-down whereas 'Opposition' took a down-up approach.

BN leaders need to pay attention to the advise of Cicero Orator and the Aristotelian philosophy of syllogism.