I read AJ Surin's letter with interest and do agree that we o­nly have Barisan Nasional but my reasons for saying so is entirely different, no matter what the foreign magazine says. (One must always read surveys and tables with a pinch of salt)

The reason BN will survive is that people in Malaysia are more concerned with personal well being than any struggle for political or personal freedom. Not many actually give a toss about wrong done to others.

Who cares, as long as o­ne is comfortable in their own political and economic well being (however faint that may be)?

That in itself should not be frowned upon, but it has allowed the BN government to ensure that measures introduced are popular enough to ensure political survival.

Many people I know, especially the non-Malays, are scared stiff of a PAS government. They are worried what might befall non-Muslims under a PAS government.

I do not think many are worried that we should be able to express our opinion without fear or prejudice but are alarmed by the fact that PAS government in Kelantan and Terengganu have introduced separate queues for males and females, and imposed a ban o­n advertisements that feature women without tudung .

In fact, I am of the opinion that the PAS government o­n its own has dug its grave into political oblivion as far as non-Muslims are concerned. They had a gigantic opportunity to show the rest of Malaysia how just and fair they will be but have failed miserably, perhaps due to the immaturity of concentrating too much o­n religious issues o­nly.

It is a fallacy to think that all Muslims are zealots and wish to live in a country practicing strict Muslim law o­nly. That has been proven wrong by the developments in Iran. Although the religious uprising toppled the secular government under the Shah, Iranians now want to get rid of their Islamic government and install a more moderate o­ne.

People there are fed up of the suffering and lack of development. In fact, the religious authorities there are prosecuting the moderates - so much for fairness.

In Malaysia, there is an increasing class of wealthy and 'yuppie' Malays who would not wish to see PAS implementing their brand of religion upon them.

These Malays, together with the (neglible number of) Chinese and Indian voters will always ensure that BN wins. Not because BN is the best option around but with the thinking that there is no other option. If you do not believe me, just go around to Bangsar or the areas around KLCC and you can see for yourself.

The government treats the kampung lot well. They are looked after more than any other citizen in any other country. In fact I salute the people of Kelantan and Terengannu for their conviction and perseverance in holding to their principles, although this is damaging to their economic well being.

Look at Keadilan, where Indians are left out because of discrimination. DAP, still run by old geezers. Other parties are not worth mentioning. The PM o­nce spoke about his wish that we should practise o­ne-party politics. We in fact do precisely that.

Does Keadilan really think that it will endear itself to Malaysians by demonstrating in front of court houses and highways? Normal Malaysians like peace and wish to delude themselves that all are well.

BN has ensured that states run by opposition parties are starved of any form of revenue. We do not know how many problems the PAS governments in Kelantan and Terengganu have to tolerate.

The o­nly people who are very keen o­n political freedom are idealists like P UthayaKumar and Hishammudin Rais. Guess what the powers-that-be have done to them.

Many genuinely believe that Malaysia is perhaps o­ne of the better places in which to live. No o­ne gets kidnapped and killed at night due to political differences such as in Zimbabwe and the Philippines. Yes, people get arrested under ISA but do you think Malaysians really care? Not a chance.

People are busy lining their own pockets. Just look at how so-called friends and comrades of Anwar Ibrahim deserted him o­nce he was not able to dish out favours. Yes, perhaps the government pressured them, but still...

The opposition parties can shout as loud as they wish, but who is listening? Just look at the pathetic support that malaysiakini gets from Malaysians.

The staff at malaysiakini risk all in doing what they have to do. After the police raid, the donations that was given was laughable. o­nly RM37,000.

Some Chinese blame the Malays and wish to leave as they think they are discriminated against but guess who controls businesses in Malaysia? The Malays are nicely cushioned in civil service or o­ne of the 1,500 government departments or organisations.

If you are an Indian, well, you get the leftovers. No o­ne bothers about Indians. That is why many Indians become doctors and lawyers, as these are self-sufficient professions.

I think my tirade perhaps best illustrates why BN is here to stay and no o­ne can do anything about it.

BN knows why as well and that is why they are such big bullies. Elections in Malaysia are free, if not fair. Malaysians genuinely vote for BN, whatever their individual reasons.

I believe that Malaysia has a long way to go before we can see ourselves as a mature and kind country. Partisan politics will ensure that BN stays in power. Anyone who thinks otherwise is living in cuckoo land, to quote Margaret Thatcher.