In the run-up to the Ketari by-election, I have begun to hear from the rumour-mill that Keadilan, if it decides not to stand for election, may still participate as a bystander to ensure free and fair elections, but not to campaign for DAP.

Since it has yet to come to a decision until this Sunday, I write this letter to voice my opinion over its stand.

If this is any reflection at all of its attitude and the position which the opposition parties will take concerning the by-election, then I would be greatly disappointed.

Instead, I wish PRM president Syed Husin Ali, would openly declare support for the DAP election campaign as its way of showing support for the broader democratic struggle. By doing so, we lose nothing, but gain respect for being mature, clear, and the united stand to deny any further electoral power to Barisan Nasional.

It goes beyond the base politicking of the opposition parties, and elevates us to a higher level.

This is not my plea for supporting DAP — in fact, it is not the issue at all. By participating actively in the Ketari by-election, opposition party members will only gain respect and be seen for their commitment to the democratic cause. It is also a way of showing DAP how gracious the other oppostion parties can be.

More importantly, by committing to the Ketari by-election, the opposition shows their steadfast commitment to providing an alternative. This is an extremely important cornerstone in convincing the Malaysian electorate that the BA means business — and is true to its desire to reform the 'business of governing' and return democracy to the country.

In the end, the interest of the voters in Ketari is the responsibility of all opposition parties. When DAP refused to support Keadilan in Indera Kayangan, it was not the party that it disappointed but the Malaysian people.

Will PRM and Keadilan choose to do the same?