I refer to a recent survey that two-thirds of the non-bumiputeras are likely to vote opposition should a general election be called soon.

The non-bumiputera community must realise that just voting for the opposition will not change anything and may, in fact, may 'boomerang' against them. An overwhelming vote for the opposition, which by default will be for the DAP, will be viewed with racial overtones and flamed by the right-wing of the bumiputera community.

This will only regress the non-bumiputera community and their leadership. The non-bumiputera community must be prepared for even worse situation if it chooses to vote for the opposition. This before things can become better.

It seems to me that the non-bumiputeras are doomed to repeat 1969, when they made a severe miscalculation in just voting for the opposition without taking the higher road of responsibility. Any move to embrace the opposition by the non-bumiputera community should include reaching out to those in the bumiputera community that are willing to consider their view.

The mistake of 1969 was Gerakan's own selfish agenda that doomed our communities to decades of racial divide.

The glaring truth is that Umno has been highly successful in dividing, conquering and ruling the opposition. The truth is that the opposition leaders don't have an answer to this. Hence it's up to the people to decide if they are prepared for things to become worse before it becomes better.

If we are prepared to vote for the opposition, for things to get worse before they become better, then it can be a very positive thing. Vote for the DAP but also vote for Keadilan and PAS too.

This will show political maturity and awareness and that underneath our divides, people still want to come together, to be united in sharing common and larger ideals and not succumb to Umno's cynical self-centred and short-term ideals.