Malaysians of all ethnic groups and walks of life have spoken through the ballot box in the recent 12 th general elections and made their decision which really astounded many quarters. We in the Malaysian Social Science Association respect the wisdom and maturity of our people who have exercised their democratic rights with restraint and civility, thus maintaining a decorous situation of inter-ethnic peace and political stability which we all dearly cherish.

What do the election results tell us? The results mark a sea-change in the Malaysian political landscape and show that a sizeable number of Malaysians are prepared for change. Though in the past ethnicity played a crucial role in influencing voting behaviour, the recent elections indicate many voters went beyond ethnic considerations to decide the country's destiny.

This gives hope that a new kind of politics is emerging which hopefully can be sustained in order to enhance the much-desired mutual understanding and respect among ethnic groups as well as national unity based on Rukun Negara. For the first time in Malaysian history, there is the possibility of the emergence of a two-party system of governance, which can ensure a greater check and balance.

The newly constituted Parliament also promises more vibrant and better quality debates as well as greater accountability of our elected representatives. The results also demonstrate the effectiveness of the new media in mobilising the citizenry and widening the democratic space as well as the critical attitude of many voters towards mainstream media.

All these mark a watershed in Malaysian history, indicating a maturing of democracy in keeping with the country's aspirations to be a developed nation in the twenty first century.

Notwithstanding the significance of the election results, the challenges Malaysia has to face in order to move forward as a united nation are great. The newly constituted governments at both the federal and state levels have to sit down and pick up the pieces, heal the fractures and divisiveness, unite the people of all ethnic groups, set aside political differences and get down to work to implement their election pledges, namely to improve the people's livelihood, rejuvenate the economy, stamp out corruption and abuse of power, and promote a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability as demanded by the National Integrity Plan.

We welcome the prime minister's decision on the public declaration of assets of all members of the cabinet and hope it will be extended to all members of Parliament, all state governments and state assembly representatives. We also hope the prime minister's new cabinet will be a performing one that meets the people's high expectations.

We urge the elected members of Parliament and the state assemblies - be they from Barisan Nasional or Barisan Rakyat - to indulge in less politicking, show exemplary leadership, establish rapport across the political divide, and make a real difference in terms of the quality of their service to the people. We also urge all political parties and politicians, particularly the losers, to accept defeat with grace, and to the winners, to be humble and magnanimous in victory.

Change undoubtedly brings uneasiness and anxiety among various sections of the people, especially those so entrenched in the status quo. We appeal to the people of all ethnic groups not to be influenced by ethnic posturing and irresponsible behaviour, remain calm and united, hold on to the big picture and act wisely as Malaysians to build a better and more united Malaysia.

There are important lessons that should be learnt by all sides from this election. This is the time for healing, the time to reaffirm our faith and commitment to sharing the future of the nation together. It is important to remind ourselves that our country has been founded and has prospered on the basis of mutual understanding, accommodation, cooperation and power-sharing among all ethnic and religious groups.

We must treasure and consolidate this valuable experience and use it as our guide as we together navigate into the future.

The writer is president, Malaysian Social Science Association.