Was that a threat?

Every vote given to the DAP will only weaken the Chinese representation in the Government, said Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin.

It would not help the Chinese community if they did not support the Barisan Nasional, he said. [The Star]

Sounds more like a threat to me. Frankly speaking, a lot of people are fed up with the way BN has been handling things. In the last election, I backed BN on the basis that it was the lesser of two evils. Why? Because at that time PAS was all out about forming an Islamic State. And PKR was forming what I called an "unholy" alliance with them. Different principles, different ideals. The alliance was confusing and lack of direction.

However, over the last few years, I've changed my mind a bit. The oppositions are doing much better today, with new blood and new perspectives. PAS is less vocal about their aims for an Islamic State - though I know it's still within their agenda. PKR has seen a few senior members falling out since Anwar's release, but on the whole they still wield some sort of support from the locals. I guess for me it's DAP that has done the best over the last few years. They recruited some younger generation leaders and has more focus about them.

A few years ago, I complained that the opposition would not be able to convince the people because they lacked plans, directions and visions. Party manifestos are frankly useless because it does not cover a wide enough range of issues that concern the different segments of the public. This year was a move in the right direction when DAP released their own version of the Budget 2008. PKR also followed suit - but personally I thought the DAP one was better written. At least now, for those who are really interested, they can read and learn more about what the oppositions has to offer if they are in power.

While I would hope that BN lose more of their Malay majority constituencies to the opposition - it no longer matter much since MCA and the other race-based political parties have been equally disappointing. If the people in Chinese majority areas like Penang, voted for the opposition in full, BN might yet retain the island, albeit with an UMNO-led state government instead of the current Gerakan-led. So yeah, what our wise minister has rightly pointed out is true - we, the Chinese community wil gets less representation in the government if we vote for the opposition.

But I honestly don't care anymore. Will there be less development on the island? I don't think so. In today's Malaysia, everyone is dependent on each other. Penang and many other Chinese majority areas are equally important to the country as are Malay dominated areas. Everyone will suffer - including the Malays - if development stalls in these areas.

So how now? Less representation in their government, but a fairer representation of the people, and a more effective opposition. A fair trade I would say.

What say you?