The results of the recent general meetings of Keadilan and MCA show that democracy is still alive and kicking in Malaysia. It has always been a hallmark that democracy allows dissenting opinions and views to be aired and discussed. However, at the end of the day, the decision of the majority has to be respected.

The proposed merger of Keadilan and PRM was not accepted by everyone. But if Keadilan is to practise what it preaches about democracy and rule of the majority, then it is time for the dissenters to close ranks and ensure that the wishes of the majority are respected.

Similarly, since MCA has democratically elected for the takeover of Nanyang to continue, the Lim Ah Lek camp has to respect the wishes of MCA's majority and not go around trying to create discontent.

However, what is often misconstrued about democracy is that 'winner takes all'. Just because the majority gets its way, it doesn't mean that they can steamroll over the minority, especially when there is a significant minority involved.

It will be interesting to observe how the leaders of either Keadilan or MCA respond to the wishes of the minority in these cases.