Since the country's independence 51 years ago, the public have been battling for democracy, hoping that the country can be more democratic, open and progressive.

The authority's action of arresting three people under Internal Security Act (ISA) is in fact a retrogression in democracy. After the Operasi Lalang 21 years ago, we have spent a long time and a lot of efforts to make the country back on the track of democracy. Therefore, we do not want to see anything happens to the flame of democracy.

It is gratifying that the public rationally responded this time. They have better understanding and more positive in upholding justice. This is a driving force for the national progress.

Several principles must be maintained in the development of democracy, including all citizens must have a self-defence opportunity. But ISA has deprived this fundamental right of detainees.

The press is the fourth estate. It plays a supervisory role and once it is curbed, the cornerstone of democracy will be shaken.

After the 8 March general elections, political turmoil has affected the development of democracy. Particularly, violence and dirty means being used during the Permatang Pauh by-election have caused anxiety among the people.

In coming days, several incidents will bring far-reaching ramifications on the national political situation, as well as democracy. These incidents included the power transition plan in Umno, Sabah Pregressive Party's (SAPP) decision on 17 Sept about whether to stay in BN and Pakatan Rakyat's ability to make a counter attack.

Although the Umno Supreme Council has accepted earlier that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to pass his power to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in 2010, the recent incidents reflected a strong rebound from the grass-root. Thus, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin wanted to speed up the power transition while Najib as well changed his standpoint, saying that he leaves the decision to the delegates at the party's division meetings.

Once former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad rejoins Umno, the two sides will suffer a rupture and this will bring a serious impact to the political arena.

Moreover, despite SAPP is just a small party and its decision of whether to stays or leaves the coalition will not affect much, but it may cause a domino effect. If there is a by-election in Pensiangan and BN looses again, it may as well worsen the uncertain political situation.

The nation is currently facing a severe political challenge, we can only stay calm and be rational while praying for the haze to disperse soon so we can have the blue sky back. (By LIM SUE GOAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)