The recent Kuala Terengganu (KT) by-election was a victory by itself regardless of who the winner was. The orderly and peaceful manner in which it was conducted was a victory for the democratic process that is unfolding in the country.

Despite some glitches, by and large, the Election Commission and the police conducted themselves in a professional manner to ensure that the by-election went on smoothly without any untoward incident that used to mar most previous elections.

The political parties, too, were better behaved this time, avoiding personal attacks on the candidates. Although there were initial attempts to raise racial issues, like the issue of the ‘Islamic state’ and hudud laws, they were aborted when the people showed their disapproval.

It was particularly gracious of the BN to promptly concede defeat which helped to diffuse the tension that built up to the polling day.

The biggest winners were the people of Kuala Terengganu who kept their cool and gave their verdict that has a significant bearing on the direction the nation is heading. Despite mounting pressure by politicians during the campaign, the voters were not easily influenced in making their decision.

They did not succumb to racial and money politics like in the past. They demonstrated a high level of discernment, wisdom and maturity in making their decision, which augurs well for the future of democracy in our country.

The people’s verdict is once again clear; they want change in the way the government is administered. They want greater accountability and transparency. They want quick and drastic reforms to address the rampant corruption, abuse of power, deteriorating race relations and economic crisis.

They are disappointed that Umno and its partners in Barisan Nasional (BN),who have the means to bring about these changes, do not have the political will to do so.

The loss of the KT parliamentary seat for BN may not change the political equation in the country but it may well be an indication of the beginning of a shift in the political paradigm and unless the BN acts now to address the issues, it may become irrelevant to the newer generation of Malaysians.

The BN government has done much to develop the nation but today’s global world poses challenges that need newer approaches to overcome. BN has no option but to heed the call of the people to reinvent itself to meet the demands of the new generation of Malaysians.

Umno, MCA, MIC and the other partners must come together as equals at the highest level to re-chart their new course bearing in mind the new realities of a global world where myopic race based politics is not going to take them far.

What we need are not race and religious disputes or a debate on who is superior but to start working to create a Malaysian populace which can compete effectively in a highly competitive global world. This can only be achieved with the contributions all races who must be made to feel proud to do their part for the nation.

On the other hand Pakatan Rakyat (PR) must realise that it owes its very existence to the people who have put their faith in them to bring about the changes which they badly need.

The people were impressed with the promises to dismantle race politics and check corruption, power abuse and formulate more sound economic policies to take the nation through the current economic crisis. PR must strive to make these impressions become realities.

The members of the opposition coalition may have vast ideological differences but they have managed to come together for the sake of the people and they must remain so for the same reason.

They must get together in that spirit to iron out their differences by dialogue, debate and above all by compromise, which is a rare commodity in political negotiations.

The people have placed so much hope in PR and it must not let them down. Win or lose in the many other by-elections that may come by, the members must stick together through thick and thin for the sake of the people.

It must not let petty squabbles among its members lead to its disintegration and a premature demise but unite above racial, religious and ideological differences to bring about the changes that the BN could not.

Through the KT by-election, the people have spoken again and the ball is now in the court of either BN or PR to prove to the rakyat that they have the capabilities and political will to fulfill the aspirations of the people who thirst for change.

The Deputy Prime Minister has called for change in BN but only time will tell whether it remains just a call or genuine actions will follow. The PR has also vowed to bring change. The battle may have begun and in this duel, the rakyat should never be made the loser.