Without the active mobilisation and serious participation of the Barisan Alternatif in the Ketari by-election, the campaign of which is going on now till polling this Sunday, I really cannot see any larger national meaning or implication of the by-election.

It will just be another routine battle between two Chinese-based parties fighting over the local issues of clogged drains and broken bridges, or which candidate is the better person. It is going to be a great disappointment for those wishing to see the by-election turn into a battleground where human rights, freedom and democracy are fought for with vigour.

Win or lose the by-election, Gerakan will continue be a dishonourable Chinese concubine of Umno. Similiarly, win or lose, DAP will forever be a party of self-marginalised Chinese and Indian Malaysians who refuse to work with Malay/Muslim Malaysians in either Barisan Nasional and BA, and to acknowledge the self-evident reality in Malaysia.