DAP is certainly at a crossroads now. It decided to join Barisan Alternatif, then quit but sought assistance from its ex-allies in the recent Ketari state by-election. That it changes important stands and positions in a matter of few months give others a strong sense of inconsistency, perfidy and unreliability. Only a total change of the top leadership could erase that image now. Otherwise, the same top leaders advocating conflicting positions for too long will only entrench the image of opportunism.

It was clear that DAPs moral leadership itself became an issue in the Ketari by-election. It does not augur well for the future if this problem is not addressed and solved soonest.

A new leadership will have to make a firm and consistent decision on the exact relations with BA, and stick to it over a long period of time, convincing all its members and supporters of the desirability of that position so that they can themselves convince others. Consistency and principle are the key words and concepts to be fully understood.

We cannot have our cake and eat it too. In everything we do in adult life, there must be opportunity costs.

Whatever we do or choose in life, there must be benefit and cost. It comes together and cannot be separated. Only children would unrealistically aim for all benefits without preparing to bear or accept cost. To enjoy the benefits of associating with each other and mutual protection, we must bear the cost of losing some freedom of action.

The reverse is also true. To enjoy the benefit of complete freedom of action, one must also be prepared to bear the cost of losing some degree of the security of association. The only question to decide is whether the benefit outweighs the cost, or vice versa.

This simple philosophy of adult life must be factored into all decision-making process in DAP. There must not be anymore flights of fancy that it could do and say anything against friends and foes alike without distinction and with impunity.

DAP is a political party, not a group of syndicated journalists, writers, analysts or commentators. People expect what top party leaders say to be binding policies, directives, strategic guides and organisation principles to be followed, not commentaries to be discussed academically.

Also, DAP must not give any order without the willpower or the ability to enforce it. Before an order is given, the party must first consider all the possible consequences and backlashes. If the costs exceed the benefits, then dont give the order. Once given, it must be enforced at all cost. Giving orders and warnings without the willpower and ability to enforce them will erode the partys credibility.