I refer to the Malaysiakini report Opposition forms Pakatan Rakyat .

It’s another milestone in the history of the nation – the formation of Pakatan Rakyat which paves the way for the formation of a two-party political system for the country. Malaysians in general, regardless of ethnicity, welcome this move by the leaders of by PKR, DAP and PAS. It augurs well for the future of the nation as it would provide a check and balance for the party in power.

The leaders of the various parties Lim Kit Siang, Abdul Hadi Awang and Wan Azizah under the guidance of Anwar Ibrahim have taken the first small step that will ultimately lead the nation to greater heights to become a truly united Malaysia, equal to other first world countries.

It shows that these leaders with their wisdom and experience have finally put aside their ideological differences to fulfill wishes of the rakyat , who have overwhelmingly voted for change and unity.

Nobody should be allowed to sabotage this agreement for mutual understanding by their narrowed-mindedness and skewed political motives which used to be the practices of the past. The demand for unity among the various races should be cherished by all, particularly politicians.

Why should only leaders of a particular race represent the plight of their own community? The problem of a particular community should be considered a national problem and should be tackled as such. It is time to forgo the communal politics of the past and enter into an era of multi-racialism where every citizen is equal.

After 50 years of communal politics, it may not be easy for us to change our mindset overnight to adopt the new political realities. The wounds of hate and suspicion will take time to heal, may be even not in our lifetime, but it will in the long run, as long as we do not allow anybody to sabotage the efforts we initiate today.

It will not only take time and effort but above all goodwill and compromise by all communities. Things may appear to be unfavourable to a particular community now but with perseverance and leaders committed to perpetuate unity, the ultimate result will be a win-win situation for all.

While things appear to be going right for the opposition, at least for the moment, the BN is still trying to grapple with its so-called defeat at the recent elections. The BN might have lost significantly, but it is still in power at the federal level and in seven states. It still has the mandate of the people to rule and this it must do with greater care, humilty and wisdom.

It should stop its infighting for posts and start making amends to the damages done. Instead of fighting to change its party leadership, Umno should instead initiate changes demanded by the people. Meanwhile it should allow the democratic process to take its course in the election of its leaders, in the coming party general assembly.

Umno, MCA, MIC and Gerakan should stop blaming each other, for their worst ever outing in the recent elections but together find ways and means to remain relevant to the younger generation of Malaysians, who are more literate.

Umno should remember that being the dominant partner in the BN it is morally duty-bound to lead the coalition to embrace changes for the better of not just itself alone but for all its partners.

In keeping with the demands of the people, the BN should reconsider its style of communal politics and opt for a broader multiracial approach. People and governments all over the world are saying no to racism - what are we waiting for?