Fortunately, Lim Kit Siang pulled back his statement of “staying away from the swearing-in ceremony for Perak Menteri Besar” for the sake of the overall situation. However, many people were frightened and were unable to sleep.

Uncle Lim, please think before you take any action next time. DAP is no longer a straggled and dispersed party. They cannot act rashly. They must be tolerant and far-sighted. Even though they are unhappy, they must check what one says against what he does and maintain the overall situation.

It is especially when everything is so uncertain now. Don't think the victory is the final conclusion. On the contrary, the situation is in fact full of variables. They might lose it once they are not careful. It is an opportunity for big changes. Their efforts would be wasted if they act rashly.

Their every measure, every gesture and every sentence must be very cautious. Otherwise, some people might play with the topic. For example, has Lim Guan Eng ever said “cancel the New Economic Policy”?

I looked through of all Chinese, English and Malay newspapers. There are different reports and quotes. Perhaps the Chief Minister doesn't have such intention. However, after the speculation by the Malay newspapers, it has become a reality in the Malay community.

The message the Malay society received is DAP wants to withdraw the interests of the Malays. Will they not worried about it? It has actually further deepened their image of DAP that it is a “Chinese racist political party”. Many Malay voters who voted for DAP might regret by now.

If Lim said it in another way, “review the implementation of the New Economic Policy, and assist the disadvantaged people regardless of their race”, he could then convey his meaning clearly without giving the opportunity for others to play with his words.

Hadi Awang is still the most experienced leader. He said that he would “adopt the good part of the new economic policy” and implement “welfare state”. We all feel reassured, and his words will not be manipulated.

Currently, Malaysia needs to be calm and rational. Meanwhile, what DAP needs the most is strategy and vision. (By TAY TIAN YAN/ Sin Chew Daily)