During troubling times such as these, we can really see who are the towering personalities and their capability to rule this nation. Pakatan Rakyat has been criticised and condemned when they made mistakes. But it is time to give them praise, because they deserve it.

Here is a situation where we see roles reversed between PAS and its arch rivals.

From the extremist image that PAS had, it has now become the most tolerant and acceptable of all by assuring the nation on the reality of Allah.

This issue has been blown out of proportion, for it’s not an issue of the Peninsula. It’s an issue that concerns Borneo. It shows the lack of understanding by the people of peninsular of the feelings and culture of Sabahan and Sarawakians.

We can understand if the people do not understand the issue which is reflected by the masses and demonstration as well as in Internet forums.

How about the mainstream media and the government of the day?

This is what happens when you call on people - as Utusan Malaysia ’s ‘Awang Selamat’ columns have done - to ‘ Bangkit! ’ (‘Rise!’), a provocation, nonetheless in a column that often spews venom and foam.

Could Awang Selamat columnists be unaware that this is a Borneo issue? After the churches have been attacked, the column defends the acts by issuing even more warnings and sarcastically ridiculing the result of trying to use the them Allah in the peninsula.

Most forums, media, websites and even the goverment hide the fact that this is a Borneo-related issue. It effects Borneans the most, as peninsular Christians are the least concerned with using Allah in their prayers.

Regardless of how the present government has handled this issue, we concerned citizens are impressed by the behaviour and gentlemanly attitude of the goverment-in-waiting , Pakatan Rakyat.

DAP leader Karpal Singh didn’t repeat his challenge to PAS on Islamic state, as the English mainstream media was probably hoping after harping on it for 11 years.

PAS leaders Abdul Hadi Awan and Nik Aziz Nik Mat both quoted from Islamic scriptures and opened up our minds as other PAS MPs came out as towering leaders of the nation with their moderate outlook.

PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim's press conference came at the right time to soothe the hearts of those who were hurt, while none of the other PKR MPs - except one - came out to embrace the populist view, even though they may be scorned and ridiculed by millions of Muslims.

They did what was right.

We cannot say the same, however, about the Barisan Nasional parties.

MCA is doing its usual kow tow act, the Barisan Sabah and Sarawak parties are hoping nobody asks their opinion, Gerakan’s No. 1 follows the Prime Minister everywhere hoping to be counted, and MIC is doing... whatever its doing, while PPP is in the midst of another internal strife.

Kudos, Pakatan, you are truly the government-in-waiting.