I have nothing to hide. Since the sacking and jailing of Anwar Ibrahim, I became a committed supporter of Barisan Alternatif (BA).

I have travelled to places where by-elections were held — Sanggang in Mentakab and the most recent, Ketari, in Bentong (both in Pahang) just to name a few.

Though I realise it is difficult for BA to unseat Barisan Nasional in by-elections, my spirit was at an all-time high when carrying out 'duties' assigned to us before and during elections. Even having to pay all our own expenses failed to weaken my enthusiasm. The same probably goes with all my other colleagues since nobody complained.

Perhaps, it was our determination to give BN a fair fight that kept us united and committed. It was not so much the winning though the win would be a bonus.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has given a strong signal in Shah Alam during Umno's 56th anniversary celebration on the possibility of an early election.

If we are observant enough, hints were already in front of us even before this 'announcement'. The speed with which the Election Committee completed the redelineation process and the 'advice' and 'peace plan' given to the ongoing MCA leadership crisis were strong indicators that snap polls are just around the corner.

Unlike by-elections, our chances to retain and capture more seats, be it state or parliamentary, become more flexible in a general election.

With the spread of machineries and manpower to all participating constituencies, it's very unlikely that we will see scores of ministers, deputy ministers, parliamentary secretaries — not to mention the prime minister and deputy prime minister — flocking to a particular contesting constituency, as had happened in the above by-elections.

This time, they have their own seat to worry about. As such, with an accurate implementation of an effective plan and strategies, it will not be impossible for BA to achieve their pre-determined election objectives.

Being a supporter, I hereby urge all party leaders of the opposition coalition to iron out their differences (if any) and stay united in our struggle to provide Malaysians with an alternative government.

Consolidate all energy and resources in preparing for our vehicle to success. Let's not menang sorak, kalah sabung (brag when you win, go into hiding when you lose) and together we take up the challenge from the Umno president, insults and all.