Acute cronyism, corrupt arrogance, and gross implacability. Sounds like the distinct adjectives for the BN leaders? You are absolutely right.

However, a just token should be awarded if you could instantly notice that those sound ghastly verbatim to words which you would fancy to describe the DAP top-guns.

Sad, isn't it? A once impartial and farsighted parties as such were to be rhetorically brought to its knees because a few of the leaders refused to budge and reform themselves from the patriarchal ways.

One very prominent and shameful example would be the quitting of the secretary-general in response to the poor showing in the last general elections only to be "popularly demanded" back to hold the post as the chairman of the party.

How about the refusal time after time to step down because "the party still needs our leadership, and we are still waiting for the 'right' time to hand over the management to the younger generation?" Again, let me remind you of these uncanny resemblance to their corresponding affiliates in Umno.

The departure of some long time members. The depressing support it has garnered in the last general elections. The vocal few ex-members who defied custom and history and voiced out their dissatisfaction publicly.

What do these tell you? A simple glitch in management machinery? A sabotage? Laugh, but it is the disheartening truth about what thought goes on in the circle of contemptuous leaders. Not willing to admit one's own failures is probably the No 1 factor in history for a leader's downfall.

Perhaps it is time to learn that arrogance and intimidation can only get you so far.

I have written personally to DAP chairman Lim Kit Siang generously offering my humble two-cents worth of thoughts. He hasn't acknowledged nor replied my e-mail.

Allow me to take up a few more minutes of your precious time, dear readers, and let me quote an abridged context from my e-mail to Lim.

"DAP was once a magnificent sailboat, ferrying the hopes and words of the rakyat to places far and wide. It carries with it a cargo of justice, freedom and equality.

It is still, allow me to stress, before I further go on. Lead by a unrelenting skipper, and her equally hardworking crew, she never failed to bravely face the waves and storms of challenges. But the times has been hard on her and her crew.

She is now dilapidated, and the senior crew, together with the skipper, have lost their bearings and direction. Perhaps, now, it is time she docks, have a complete overhaul, a fresh coat of paint, and a new set crew. Set sail after, and relive this noble journey."

Believe me when I say that I am not against DAP. I would rather view myself as non-partisan and I give credit when credit is due. Therefore, this e-mail would not be complete and just if I do not add that Lim has been fighting for the general rakyat even before I was born (I am 20).

His eloquent writings, his fearless words in the Dewan, and his trips from the political penitentiary and back. Those will never go unnoticed, dis-esteemed and undecorated.

However, let me remind all that no ship may sail forever. It must stop for provisions and rest once in a while. Conceivably, it is time for a change. A reform in the thought, in the leadership, in the bearings.