I REFER to the comments by Razali Ibrahim, the MP for Muar, in "Missing a golden opportunity" (MP Writes, NST -- July 18).

There is no denying that after the March 8 general election, too many politicians from both sides have been playing games. The MPs in Parliament have been hurling accusations and insults at each other, often behaving in an undignified manner, which only serves to show their political immaturity.

If we want the general populace to observe the rules and be patient and forbearing in times of hardship, then what example is this to set?

It seems that Barisan Nasional is having a hard time accepting that it now has to share power, while the opposition Paka-tan Rakyat feels that it cannot fulfil its agenda unless it gets all the power. And while both believe it's fine to act out in public their respective displeasures, business suffers.

Both parties should be more considerate. Certainly no one can expect BN to bow out -- a government that has been here for 50 years must have done something right.
At the same time, the Pakatan grouping should pay attention to the fact that they have no actual experience in governing a country, and thus should be willing to wait and give themselves time to learn.

Anyone can govern by talking, but to say and to do are as different as night and day.

The DAP and the other Pakatan members should focus on succeeding in their constituencies and states of majority first, for if you fulfil your trust with little, then you can also be trusted with a lot.

On the other hand, as Razali rightly points out, "the challenge for BN now is to promptly settle the people's woes and grievances".

The BN definitely has a right to do so and should be given time until the next elections to win this challenge.

Let both BN and Pakatan build constructively on what they have been given by the electorate, without spending too much time peeping into each other's camps and devising tactics for sabotage.

When the results of the last elections became known, Teresa Kok, the DAP MP for Seputeh, said that it was a "miracle".

While many may not believe her, it is certain that even the most regarded analyst could not have forecast such results. Thus, let Pakatan not rely on too many miracles and BN accept that it is no longer alone, so that Malaysia will not miss the golden opportunity of growing into a strong, rich and happy democracy.

M.B.A. Ipoh