The revelation earlier in September that the seat allocation talks between DAP and PKR have 'hit a snag' should not surprise those who are familiar with the process.

It should certainly not surprise those who were aware of the number of multi-corner fights featuring both parties (as well as DAP and PAS) in the 2004 general election.

The difficulties faced by DAP and PKR in agreeing to the allocation of parliamentary and state seats illustrate the different challenges faced by both parties in terms of defining its own political identity, mapping out its political future and balancing short-term and long-term electoral goals.