The political situation in Malaysia has changed after the 8 March general elections. The fact is the people showed politicians a power that should not be ignored.

It should not be overlooked that the people will keep watching over performances of political parties. It they are unable to perform well, there might be another political tsunami five years later. Remember, the people, instead of political parties, controls the power of tsunami.

Of course every party claims it understand the people most, but the people would evaluate themselves. It should not be denied that some politicians do really serve the people well and voters would definitely remember those who were defeated in the elections but keep serving the people modestly after they admitted their defeats and stepped down. Probably, they will make a comeback in the next elections.

The recent election results showed voters no are longer concerned about racial issues and it would be a disaster for the party that did not learn a lesson from it but reinforce the ideology of racism.

From the movements of some parties in the past few weeks, we could see some parties are still playing around with racial sentiments. Street demonstration, which was not our culture previously, suddenly turned to be one. Rumours could be heard all around and these might convey the wrong message that could affect the social stability.

However, we can tell from the people's responses that most of them were not affected. Basically, the people were not affected even during the campaign periods before the elections. Instead, voters made their judgements by using their votes. The reason for the party to suffer loss in the elections was because of wrong judgement on public opinion. Unfortunately, some politicians were still playing with vulgar political means that again, underestimated voters' wisdom.

The ruling party that turned to be the Opposition should now watch over the ruling party for the people. Take Perak as an example, the coalition state government formed by DAP, PKR and PAS is weak but the BN coalition is a strong opposition. As Perak DAP Secretary Nga Kor Ming said it will benefit the people as the weak coalition state government will perform better under the supervision of the strong opposition. Naturally, the one who performs well will gain support from the people.

Despite of unstable situation in the five Barisan Rakyat-controlled states, the coalition state governments showed their will to rule together. It is understandable that they are facing difficulties at the beginning as they have no ruling experience. But the people are waiting to see how the coalition governments of the four states work together and respect each other.

Perhaps the people will allow them to have a honeymoon period to test and adjust at the moment but they will keep a close watch and be more strict. The coalition government must be modest, fair and impartial. The people are expecting for a more open and moderate government instead of an opportunistic coalition.

The central governing party should not think that it can gain cheap publicity and political capital as it is able to manipulate state agendas of the Barisan Rakyat. The people are watching the performances of ruling MPs in the Parliament, and whether the new Cabinet reflects the change of thinking.

The people want to see the ruling and opposition parties checking and balancing each other. All parties should behave themselves. Remember, the people are watching. (By CHONG LIP TECK/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)