Congratulations to DAP's Kerk Kim Hock for accepting the PM's invitation to revive the National Unity Advisory Panel to address issues relating to national unity, integration and racial ties. Kerk is the only DAP member - and oppositionist - for the 52-member panel which will also comprise state representatives, intellectuals, academicians and representatives from NGOs.

Those who have doubts Kerk may be another Lee Lam Thye needn't worry. The circumstances of Kerk and Lee are very different. For the latter, there were:

  • pre-arranged plans to accommodate him within the BN framework

  • he had to quit the DAP as a pre-condition for accepting the offered posts and

  • he was perceived to be a moderate politician acceptable to the BN.

    • However, it is widely believed Kerk accepted the invitation without any pre-conditions. And unlike Lee, Kerk is unlikely to receive any allowances except for travelling expenses.

    There are some who are so haunted by Lee Lam Thye's political camp U-turn that they see any attempt to engage the government as a sign of betrayal. This is bullocks. DAP's Karpal Singh, Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng, Chong Eng, Teresa Kok and many more have worked with the government at one time or another on issues that benefit the rakyat.

    The PM's invitation to Kerk to join the NUAP is a sign he is starting to walk the talk and wants all sectors to work with him and not for him. Kerk has scored a first. Give the man a chance.