This year the postal war appears more subdued. You get a sense that most parties are facing financial constraints. The opposition seems to be more affected as compared to Barisan Nasional. The posters by the opposition appears old and worn out. And in areas where their flags come up, a wave of BN flags and posters would overwhelm and engulf them in return. There is less excitement when public "ceramahs" are not allowed. There is no more voice for the opposition. They appear defeated. They appear lost. The battle seems over before it has even begun. There is little hope.

As the local media publishes Barisan's fool-proof manifesto, the opposition's manifesto is fragmented and hazy. There is no direction. Even DAP is lost. Heavyweights like Karpal Singh is uncertain as to where to pick his fights. He is desperate and lacks confidence to spar with even Chew Mei Fun, a comparative novice, in PJ Utara. Lim Kit Siang, lost in political wilderness, decides on a new battleground. Can he prevail? There is little hope with DAP.

Pas the only opposition that could realistically challenge. Kelantan belongs to them. Terengganu is almost their. Kedah could fall. They appear to be a formidable foe. But they do not offer much to non-Muslims. They shift ground way too often and are clueless as to what constitutes a multiracial society. Despite a relative calm in Kelantan all this while, the Chinese population there is small and unthreatening. How would they deal with a larger non-muslim population. Would their brand of Islamic state be acceptable? The clear answer is NO. Pas would be a difficult option for non-Muslims.

Keadilan is no better. Its president has problems voicing her opinions and appear amatuerish in politics. Tian Chua appears more interesting in picking fights than proposing a solid agenda. Their beacon of light, Anwar, is still languishing in prison. They appear to be mere PAS puppets. No Keadilan would ruin this country if their leaders were allowed to rule.

BN is still a corrupt conglomerate. They lack transparency and are often hypocritical. Its leader, AAB, still appears inept at handling corruption. The judiciary remains subtlely under its control despite their vehement denials. They have much to answer but chooses to remain silent. They are autocratic rulers in disguise.

So which party should one choose? A difficult choice indeed. Perhaps it boils down to choosing the lesser of two evils!