Since our independence, the Alliance and later the Barisan Nasional has formed our national government without fail. If, after 47 years, there is still a lack of unity amongst the various races, Barisan Nasional and its dominant partners have a lot to answer to.

When we look at the scenario within BN, each component party is left to take care of the community that it represents, thereby giving it an opportunity to compare its own ethnic group with 'the others' in the nation. The dominant party that dictates major policy decisions is quite happy to leave minority issues to the other BN parties. There is no national leadership that actually discusses the problems faced by all the communities.

Where is the unity and understanding among the BN's ordinary members, or even the branch committee members? Do the heads of the local Umno, MCA, MIC, or others meet to discuss common problems faced by the local community? Or are they preoccupied with the problems of their own communities that they have no time for the others?

If the BN concept is only to make 'decisions of compromise' at the national level, and this is sent down the line as directives to be followed by the state and division, then we are still short-sighted.

This arrangement certainly allows a marked division at the grassroots, which ultimately makes or breaks the unity of Malaysians. Such a system might have worked well in the early days of independence, but will not do anymore.

The Alliance concept was first mooted as an interim measure, as the communities were far apart due to the 'divide and rule' policy of the colonial masters. Did we take our own initiative to eradicate that 'divide and rule' policy? No - the easy way out for the short-sighted politicians is to continue employing tactics, at least for the short-term gains. The damage done cannot be overstated.

Can we appeal to our present prime minister to bring about some significant changes in the manner BN functions? Such changes must be felt right through to the branch and divisional levels. Periodic seminars involving component party leaders will go a long way to create and understanding and accommodative leadership.

When such leaders move up the ladder to the state and national levels, they will be able to address the problems faced by Malaysians and will not become champions of only a portion of the population.

Please do not make the Merdeka interim arrangements a permanent one. We need to move forward with proactive changes. Will the present BN leaders agree to such changes, or they are so used to championing their respective groups that this remains their sole prerogative?