LY Chen's argument in response to New Malaysian's ' DAP too obsessed with Islamic state ' does not hold much water. Besides, he has conveniently avoided the central issue, that is the fact that DAP has withered politically, and is now in dire need of issues which can rejuvenate its lost glory, therefore trying to exploit the Islamic state issue to regain lost political mileage.

Incidentally, he has not addressed the fact that DAP is basically Chinese-centred, which is by itself antagonistic to the very creation of a positive climate for multi-ethnic politics to thrive and grow. No multi-ethnic party in Malaysia can antagonise Islam or any other religion that abounds in Malaysia.

Keadilan is made of up people who espouse various religious systems. For it to oppose Islam heads on will reflect a lack of political pragmatism, and it will not be judicious, for not only it will invite the wrath of fellow Muslims, but it will give Umno-BN, an arsenal of political ammunition to bury Keadilan for good. Keadilan will be branded anti-Muslim and the majority of Malays will shun and condemn the party.

Keadilan has to move with sensitive care, be on guard and employ tact and wisdom in charting its course with its multi-ethnic philosophy, which is at a delicate infancy stage. If it aligns totally with DAP, the damage is far more serious than if it aligns partially or conditionally with PAS. However if Keadilan can overcome its challenges and threats as it grows from infancy to maturity, undoubtedly most fair-minded and well-informed Chinese will be attracted to its cause.

The political will to create fertile conditions for multi-ethnic polity to emerge is within reach. Only outmoded prejudices and the defiance of present ruling elites to shed this weakness is holding back the process of change. DAP, like Umno, is trapped in a paradigm of communal politics, and its vision is obscured by racial sentiments and it takes great sacrifice and enlightenment to emancipate itself from this hurdle.

To say that the conditions are not ripe for multi-ethnic politics is ignorant pessimism. Defending outmoded ideas for the survival of a party is not visionary wisdom.

The trend of global socio-political changes that is sweeping the world is definitely moving towards a greater level of human unity, transcending communal limitations and barriers. The European Union is a reasonable example, with the EU constitution being drafted amidst an atmosphere of resistance to changes.

DAP is probably displaying the resistance-to-change syndrome. It has for decades entrenched in Chinese-centered politics. Its culture has become too calcified to become more adaptable to change especially towards multi-ethnic politics. Besides the present DAP leadership has passed its prime, and without new youthful blood. DAP lacks the creative energy to visualise a new Malaysia emancipated from the grip of pernicious racial politics.

If DAP cannot stomach the truth that PAS is not in a political position to secure enough seats in the parliament to legislate laws to change the provisions of the federal constitution, then it can safely be perceived that DAP's anti-Islamic state stance is nothing but a unworthy game plan to secure cheap political mileage. It is more of an opportunistic tactical move to attract the Chinese to its fold.

If DAP is truly genuine in creating a Malaysian Malaysia, it should have the audacity to merge with Keadilan, tread the middle moderate path, struggle to ensure the rights of every Malaysian is protected and preserved irrespective of race or creed; where outmoded prejudices, the remnants of divide-and-rule colonial politics, can be eliminated tactfully.

We see more and more well-informed Chinese joining Keadilan. They are not opportunists but people who have taken the bold challenge to work directly with the Malays, Indians and others, not through a loose coalition like Umno-BN. They have embarked on a challenging journey to create the right conditions for the infant multi-ethnic politic, the aftermath of the infamous Anwar Ibrahim saga, to become a reality.

It takes time, effort and sacrifice but it is worth every ounce of energy. There is indeed nothing to lose, but everything to gain, but the process is already in motion and the spirit of the age is favourable to this change, though resistance is expected from Umno-BN.

But if DAP resists, it definitely reflects political immaturity.