I am a Keadilan supporter, and I don't see DAP as cancerous growth in Barisan Alternatif. How strange then it was for me to find one Chan Chee Kiong accusing DAP of being a liability to BA ([#1] Stop cancerous growth in BA [/#], March 15). What's worse, he appears to be totally convinced!

Let us not delude ourselves. Without DAP, BA would just become a Malay coalition. True, all three parties - two, if PRM were to join Keadilan - are multiethnic in theory. But in practice?

Expelling DAP is not even an option - if BA wants to win the next election, that is. DAP may not have a strong grassroots strength, but it still retains the allegiance of Chinese Malaysians. Let us not forget: if out, DAP can always field a spoiler!

Now, how about those troubles that constantly erupt between BA component parties? These aren't superficial troubles. I believe they are deep-seated and structural in nature, mostly created by divide and rule tactics employed by the Barisan Nasional governments, past and present.

When I decided to support BA, I chose Keadilan instead of DAP because of the former's youthful vigour. And its call for justice and the respect for rights of human persons had a certain ring, which I found immensely appealing. However, if DAP were not part of the BA, I doubt I would have ever decided to back BA.

To me, DAP has the credibility that Keadilan lacks. Keadilan may have all the good intentions and laudable ideals, but it is DAP which provides the currency. Keadilan is standing tall now only because it is standing on the shoulders of a giant, DAP.

Let's stop accusing each other and start understanding the concerns of the people of Malaysia, so that we could serve their needs better. Ultimately, they are the arbiters of our (party's) fate.