I think Parti Keadilan Nasional is doing fine given that it is only three years old, and has had to operate under a highly repressive environment where the ruling elite knows no shame in using the police, the legal system, mass media and propagandists camouflaged as "intellectuals" to attempt to crush it.

Keadilan's mere survival in this 'pre-modern environment and culture' is a kind of victory. And let us give our thanks to God.

However, to the great disappointment of the anti-democratic forces, Keadilan has not only survived but also made some gains it has been accepted by Malaysians of all races and religions as a national, moderate, centrist and inclusive party that upholds the Federal Constitution, and the systems of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.

Although Keadilan is still predominantly Malay/Muslim, it is open to all Malaysians who are willing to contribute to the process of national integration and democratisation. The election of educated and grassroot-oriented Chinese and Indians as supreme councillors, and that of youth leaders and women's wings speak volumes of the non-racial respect for good leaders.

For those Chinese who are still sceptical of the multiethnic nature and commitment of Keadilan, my challenge to them is to bring-in more Chinese and Indians into the party to make it genuinely multiethnic. We cannot sit idly and split hairs.

If we agree that Keadilan is conceptually a good party for national unity and integration, we Chinese must make a personal commitment to join or support it. We should not be passive spectators. We must be active and fearlessly participate if we believe that only Malaysian politics, and not the sectarian politic practiced by the racist Umno, or chauvinistic MCA, Gerakan, SUPP and DAP, or the fundamentalistic (PAS), can deliver security, stability, prosperity and justice for all Malaysians.

True, there are still weaknesses in Keadilan but I am sure top leaders like Dr Wan Azizah have what it takes to overcome these shortcomings. The Chinese, Indians and those of other races now have a choice we can choose to live and think in the political and racial cocoons like MCA, MIC, Gerakan, SUPP and DAP, or make a committment to change for the better by participating in the open and level playing field provided by Keadilan.