In 9 days, will we be seeing for the first time a Malaysia without the Barisan Nasional at its helm? Will Anwar’s claims of a defection of MPs numerous enough to topple the BN government gahmen occur? And what will that mean for us?

A friend of mine whom I met for dinner regularly every 4 – 6 weeks said it might not be a bad thing completely for the opposition to take power, since the opposition parties may not carry the historical burden that UMNO dUMNO leaders lea-duhs have traditionally carried since Singapore’s expulsion from the Federation. In short, we might be looking at a new Malaysian gahmen who might consider moving forward in their relation in a radical way which might be beneficial for both nations. However, the new gahmen may also take a even harder stance against Singapore, to force for more concessions, and / or as a focal point to divert attention from any possible domestic problems and issues that would continue to plague them after taking power. Unfortunately, I do not know enough of the opposition lea-duhs in Malaysia, to even make a guess if they will be friendly to us if they should take power.

Anyway, I maybe looking a little too far ahead, because there will also be the question on whether the new gahmen can last. Unless it brings the traditional BN alliance crashing down when this happens, dUMNO and the Malay ultras – which have hijacked national agenda since 1969 – is unlikely to take it lying down nor will they stay put after the opposition topples them. Furthermore, unless there is a 2/3 majority, there is always a question on how long this opposition gahmen will be in power as we can see just what kind of trouble the Samak Sundaravej gahmen of Thailand is in.

The real fear of course, is that the political struggle will spill onto the streets and a repeat of the May 13th racial riots in 1969. With the recent comment by the Bukit Bendera division chief, a Datuk Ahmad Ismail, that the Chinese are squatters in Malaysia during the recent Permatang Pauh by-election campaign, one can feel the menace of that dreadful specter hovering near.

Whatever the outcome maybe, any social instability in our neighbouring countries is never good for us. I hope that whatever may come on Sep-16, the transition will be as peaceful as that of Taiwan, which has seen two changes of political parties at the helm.