Kuala Lampur, Sept. 24 -- The Melaka election is a go. Questions abound if polling day, predicted for late October, witnesses the death-knell of progressive politics in the federation.

After two state elections where the relentless race-baiters won without breaking a sweat, Melaka is the most serious test before the general election.

Subterfuge Central till filing day

What happens between now and nomination day? A lot of talking, which means a lot of catering.

Interspersed with random percentage numbers issued by participants to sum up hours of the days spent discussing how to while munching karipap. "We are 70 per cent closer to an agreement, after eight days of ups and downs of 5 per cent."

This time - thank the heavens! - the perm...