In reply to Kohila Y's response (' PSM deserves to run for Sg Siput ') to my letter (' PSM should not expect help from DAP ') in malaysiakini regarding PSM's position in the upcoming general elections in Sungai Siput, I must first of all categorically state that I strongly commend the non-governmental organisations who have worked hard with the underprivileged in Sungai Siput.

The PSM is, as it were, the 'political wing' of some of these NGOs. Great claim is now being made of its separate ideology from the DAP, but this has been kept under wraps and has never been spelt clearly to the Malaysian public. Clearly then, by standing on a DAP ticket in the last election, PSM was being opportunistic, so much for its principles.

If its agenda is based on Marxist-Leninist socialist values, then it is obvious that this will be rejected by the vast majority of Malays and Chinese in the Sungai Siput area. With regard to the Indian vote, this has always been loyal to Barisan, come what may, via Samy Vellu's iron-clad hold over the community in Sungai Siput.

This then brings us to DAP's representation of the people of Sungai Siput in what has always been a 'traditional' seat. A political party's support and existence is dependent on the votes it gets in an election. By giving way to another party which has a separate ideology to its own in an election, is tantamount to abandoning its principles.

Malaysia does not need opposition at all cost but a principled opposition in parliament. DAP must contest in Sungai Siput for its own ultimate survival in the long term.