In 1969, Gerakan and DAP were a major force in the opposition and having impression of representing certain race only. When they won a number of seats, it was easy for the affected political parties to use the race card and create a racial riot.

In 2008, the opposition is made of few parties, each with own agenda, and non commanding nationwide awareness. Most importantly, only DAP is visibly synonymous with a non-Malay race, while both PKR and PAS have majority members who are brothers with UMNO. Gerakan and PPP are back in BN. Any repeat of 1969 can only mean UMNO vs PKR/PAS, which of course sounds highly improbable.

Secondly, it was much more easy to manipulate the people to believe the political party back in 1969 due to lack of media exposure. But in 2008, people are exposed to facts and figures from all around the world. To pit people againsts others won’t be so easy. The Malays in 1969 were in poorer economic condition, but in 2008, they are economically quite parallel with other communities, especially in the urban areas. They have benefited so much in the last 30 years and know that the minority races do not affect them much anymore.

The Indian community does not have a political party representing them in the opposition camp, which can be used to instigate another May 13 riot. In a way, this is good. HINDRAF has decided it will remain non-political, even though some of its leaders may contest under DAP or PKR tickets. MIC claims to represent all the Indians, so the issue of Malays versus Indians will not arise, as it will be like UMNO versus MIC. Unless of course, one says not all Malays are in UMNO and not all Indians are in MIC. In that case, who will instigate the Malays who are not in UMNO?

Unlike others communities, Indians do not have any seats with them being the majority voters. At most, there are 62 seats in which they have a substantial figure to sway election results. So, to blame Indians for losses in election is a bit far-fetched. It will more likely the failure or weakness of UMNO or MCA which will cause the seats to be lost.

As long as DAP members do not go around like last time celebrating their victory (if they can manage a substantial victory, that is), it will be hard to create problem with the Chinese community.

It is clear that people in our country value economic returns – good environment, cash inflow, business opportunities, employment etc. over things like human rights, equality, justice, etc. So, as long as the economy is doing well, no problem.

Finally, the ruling parties know that no matter how much the minorities cry and shout in the streets, nothing will change. No one is going to give up their special privileges nor share equally with others. They can manage to balance the needs of the community and do the necessary “handouts” from time to time to keep every appeased to a certain extent.

In the event that a party loses heavily in the elections, it may resort to instigate and cause racial problems. History has clearly shown which parties are responsible for it. So, does one vote out of fear? Does one support a bully or a violent act?

Thus it is quite irresponsible of certain leaders to threaten and blackmail the citizens using 1969 incident.