After seeing for myself the enthusiasm, creativity and discipline shown by the many Chinese supporters of the Barisan Alternatif on nomination day in Indera Kayangan, I must confess that Muslim oppositionists have much to learn from our Chinese friends in Keadilan.

I met many lawyers, engineers, accountants and other highly qualified Chinese who dressed and mixed around just like any other ordinary people.

They were disciplined and organised, and mixed around well with Malays and Muslims from Keadilan, PAS and PRM. I am very impressed.

I had never thought Keadilan would be able to attract so many young Chinese to join in its struggle in a matter of three years. Their participation in the struggle of the rakyat jelata certainly augurs well for national unity, inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations.

I hope the Indera Kayangan by-election will open the eyes of Umno leaders and members: the Chinese are as passionate as we Malays and Muslims about the politics of justice.

While Umno still keeps the Chinese out of mainstream politics by confining them to MCA, Keadilan has moved a step ahead to genuinely accept and include them as leaders and members, sharing equal rights and responsibilities.

After all, it has always been the great tradition and dream of progressive and left-wing Malay nationalism to develop inter-ethnic solidarity to foster a truly united and just Malaysian nation for all. Keadilan must continue to work towards that direction despite trials and tribulations.