news feature If bureaucracy is hampering your dream of becoming a businessman then journey to Kelantan where the words red tape' revolve around two simple requirements for aspiring entrepreneurs: Stay clean and dont cause a traffic jam.

But before you start packing your bags, there is one little detail you should know. The PAS-governed state does not allow discotheques, massage parlours and gambling dens.

"Otherwise, there is no racial quota. The application process is simple, said a local hawker.

Fill in a form, pay RM10 and you will be issued a blue receipt. Then you can start your business," added the hawker who wished to be known only as Lim.

Besides the easy business opportunities, Chinese Malaysians in Kelantan, who form four percent of the states population, are also happy with the clear policy on land acquisition which came into being since 2000.

Land allocated to non-Muslims cannot be acquired by the state or federal government unless for developing a social project such as a hospital or public library.

In Kelantan, land acquisition is open to all, regardless of race, religion or state of origin, as long as the application is approved by the state executive councillors.

"In the past, we (Chinese) have to live here for 15 years before we can own a piece of land," said a teacher, who declined to be named.

Now all they want to know is whether you are "sincere", he added.

No qualms

Echoing the feelings of Kelantans Chinese Malaysians was DAP leader Ng Ah Kau who said he has no problems with the PAS government.

There are no complaints about its policies and there are no cases of unfair treatment concerning minority groups, he added.

"We only oppose to the setting up of an Islamic state," he told malaysiakini.

Chinese-dominated DAP and Muslim-based PAS, once allies in the opposition front Barisan Alternatif, crossed swords over the latters ambition of setting up an Islamic state should it come into power.

The rift led to DAPs exit from the front, which also houses Keadilan and PRM, last September.

Meanwhile in Kota Bharu, town councillor Hu Pang Chau claimed Barisan Nasional  which governed Kelantan up to 1990  had bought land allocated to the Chinese and did nothing with it.

"This made people unhappy. It went on for years. That is why PAS even managed to conquer Kota Lama, which used to be an MCA stronghold," he said.

Anuar Tan Abdullah, a Chinese Muslim, is the state assembly representative for Kota Lama where 38 percent of the electorate are Chinese. Hu is Anuars political secretary.

Land woes

About 90 percent of the state is gazetted under Malay reserve land. This appears to be a handicap for the state government as much of the land is underutilised and does not bring in any revenue.

To deal with this, Kelantan permits housing developers to sell all their units to the non-bumiputra although according to national policy, 30 percent must be reserved for bumiputra.

"This augurs well for the non-bumiputra. People are happy as long as they can own property and make money," said Hu.

The cost for a double-storey unit in Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan, could range from RM250,000 to RM300,000. A single-storey terrace unit could cost about RM90,000, and a four-storey building RM800,000.

Meanwhile, part of the Kelantanese heartland, such as Jeli and Gua Musang, has been earmarked for agriculture development, namely for oil palm plantation and reforestation.

"We dont care who wants to develop these areas as long as they are sincere," said Hu.

However, interested companies would have to enter into a joint-venture with government agencies such as the Yayasan Islam Kelantan, State Economic Development Corporation or Menteri Besar Corporation.

Those who wish to develop an area more than 1,000 acres are required to share 30 percent of their revenue with the state government.

Areas less than 1,000 acres are allocated for private companies who are required to hold a joint venture with local welfare or non-governmental organisations, as part of the state governments effort to help these organisations to be economically self-sufficient.

The private company can reap 70 percent of the revenue while the rest goes to the NGOs.

BN propaganda

Investors in Kelantan also enjoy the lowest and cheapest premium rates in Malaysia, that is RM750 per 2.4 acres.

Despite this attractive incentive, there is a noticeable absence of large conglomerates or foreign investment in the state.

"We do not really want to waste our time wooing foreign investors as many of them do not have a good image of Kelantan or PAS. Many have been fed with the (BN) governments propaganda, lamented Hu.

"Most investors have to deal with International Trade and Industries Minister Rafidah Aziz or Bank Negara and we believe that they will not be given an easy time if they want to invest here," he added.

According to the town councillor this is why PAS prefers to encourage domestic investors and develop home industries.

Hu claims Kelantans economy is stable despite the absence of mega-projects. Tourism, one of the states largest money-making department, is steadily bringing in RM3.48 million, 10 percent of which comes from foreign tourists.

"We do not need any mega-projects if it doesnt help the people. What is the point of having buildings such as the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers or International Airport when they are running at a loss?

"Tok Guru (Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat) often says during his ceramah (public talks), Muslims do not even need a big mosque to pray in if one is sincere. One can pray anywhere," said Hu.

"When people say there is no development in Kelantan, I ask them; what development? We have everything here and we are satisfied," he stressed.