Saudara Lim Kit Siang, may I take this opportunity to wish you a happy Chinese New Year. I am sure it will be a joyous, yet serious occasion, as you contemplate your future role in Malaysian politics. Indeed, after more than 30 years of total commitment to the struggle for democracy, justice and a better Malaysia, it must be with a heavy heart that you consider retirement from DAP.

I am sure you have thought long and hard about your political future. And I am sure there are those who are out to persuade you to stay, just as there are those who are pressuring you to leave. While not being a party member, considering the impact of your decision on the future of the party and the nation, I feel that I, too, should make my humble thoughts known.

The next few years are extremely crucial to the political future of the country. With the Barisan Nasional suffering a crisis of legitimacy, there is indeed a window of opportunity to chart a new course for the nation. As the DAP struggles to reinvent itself and Barisan Alternatif matures from its infancy, some would argue that an experienced hand is needed to steer the boat through what is bound to be turbulent and treacherous waters. And yet, it is in the climate of crisis that the newer hands finally learn the most important lessons of political survival and development.

The task ahead is certainly an immense one. In 1995, the DAP's grab for power in Penang fell flat. In 1999, many Malaysians, who used to vote for the DAP as a check against BN, were frightened into voting for the incumbents. While the DAP has served the country well as the opposition, its over reliance on voter sentiment to win seats has left the party unable to cross the opposition threshold and present itself as a potential member party in government.

Even more telling then electoral results is the party's failure to reform following the 1995 debacle or to make political inroads during the economic and political turmoil which has engulfed the nation since 1997. The party has lost its ability to draw new members, build efficient branches and divisions, and groom a credible and dynamic leadership. Press statements and parliamentary speeches remain the mainstay of the party, when in fact much of the arena for political activism has long moved elsewhere.

The most serious challenge of today is to build political activism among the people, to contest, pressure and reform the political systems in our country. This includes all political spheres including local government, state government, within political parties and social organisations, at the community and federal level. This is the challenge of all political parties, not just the DAP. But it is the most serious for the DAP, as only political activism by the people will rekindle the party flame and prevent the party from fading into obscurity.

Unfortunately, it is precisely the shadow of a political giant like you, which hinders such dramatic change. The party paradigm remains intrinsically linked to your posture and persona as party and opposition leader. It appears that local initiatives fail to bloom without the nourishment of party godfathers. Many wish that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir would understand that he too is dispensable, and that he needs to step aside as the country prepares for reform. Similarly many also would like to see a real transition within the DAP. Like Umno, changes in DAP are long overdue.

Indeed, the words of wisdom from a person of your political experience and vast knowledge, not withstanding popular appeal, will be better received by the youth of the nation, by retiring from active politics and finally laying to rest accusations of dictatorship, favouritism and nepotism. Not only will it allow your son, Lim Guan Eng, to mature into the DAP leadership minus accusation of favouritism, it will give you the necessary time to dedicate yourself to building grassroots' political activism rather than moderating internal party struggles and squabbles.

The DAP which you built and led, has to outgrow you and reinvent itself. While it is most tempting to stay around and control the transition, a real transition can only happen through internal party dynamics, even if it means some of your wishes are left unattended. It is a difficult decision to make. In recent times that we have met, your cheerful smile does not hide the silent sadness in your eyes, perhaps an indication that you too recognise that it is time to stand aside to allow the flame of struggle to be passed on.

Regardless, of your decision, I wish you good luck and a happy future.

PREMESH CHANDRAN is research officer for Malaysian Trade Unions Congress and malaysiakini business advisor. He was a former journalist with The Sun .