I refer to the Malaysiakini report Perak gov't collapses - BN claims power .

BN has finally done it in Perak, what Anwar Ibrahim has been talking about since March 8, 2008.

The people who voted for Pakatan Rakyat are utterly disappointed that they voted for PR only to find some of its representatives going over to BN. Probably more will follow in the other PR-ruled states, we do not know. We hope not.

Most Malaysian voters certainly will not believe that money did not change hands. However, that is academic now. As with any crisis, we need to prepare for the future.

PR should in future screen its candidates for public office more stringently. PR could form the national government the next time if it could learn from this episode. PR could even form the federal government with a stronger mandate.

There is no need to despair and PR should prepare ahead. In any crisis, the victim could benefit but only if it prepares well and strikes back hard in the future. In fact, I see that there are several opportunities for PR in the current crisis.

PR could benefit from this in the long run and BN could lose more in the next general election but only if PR learns from this episode. Many voters who voted for PR are fuming at BN at this current episode in Perak.

PR should conduct more tests on potential candidates for elected office to make sure they adhere to the party's ideals. They should engage psychologists or experienced professionals to do such screening.

Look at how our neighbouring country Singapore screens its candidates for elected office. I understand their selection process is very detailed and professional. They select professionals who are well paid to do the job.

Much can be learned from this Perak episode. More tests need to be done on candidates for elections rather than randomly choosing these candidates or parties being pressured to select certain candidates only.

For a start, PR should choose those who are well-educated and those who are willing up to give up their high-paying jobs for elected office.

It is unfortunate that many candidates for elected office are still thinking of money only and care only for their personal interests. They do not keep the nation’s interests at heart. It is clear that some PR representatives are hiding their true nature and look at elected office only to make lots of money through other means.

Well, many of my friends believe that those who have ‘hopped’ do not need to go for elected office or work anymore as they may already have been handsomely paid. They could probably retire for good. This clearly negatively affects the heart of our nation's survival and democracy.

I fear for our country's future. Any elected representative who can be bought will destroy our nation. The nation might as well fold up, just like having a bad business.

Any PR candidate who campaigns and talks about transparency, good governance and a corrupt -free administration and then upon being elected ‘hops’ to the other coalition to get a handsome payout will destroy our beloved nation.

The people's aspirations and wishes are destroyed and citizens are utterly in despair to see the games being played by these individuals.

Many Malaysians, including me, see the party hopping as perhaps more damaging to BN. BN has accepted two PR candidates who have been charged with corruption. Good riddance.

PR should not despair and should instead prepare for the future as it is highly likely that PR will form the federal government and many more state governments after the next general election.

Why? Because many voters are fuming at this ‘party hopping’ business in Perak and therefore more will vote for PR in the next general election. Even those who voted for BN in hope that it will change will now vote for PR in the next election.

Also, PR should stop talking about enticing more BN reps to join PR. Prepare for the future and focus on the next general elections. Form a strong government through elections and not through party-hopping.

And pay your top elected representatives well, at the level of a CEO of a publicly-listed company if possible with bonus for good national performance. The country will save millions this way.

Another lesson is that Pakatan needs to groom other leaders and not just rely on Anwar Ibrahim. Given this episode and Anwar's unrealised promises in the past, PR needs to look at grooming other leaders.

There is, of course, still a role for Anwar but PR - just like any business concern - should groom new leaders for the future.