Opposition party PAS today deferred the date of the release of its document on Islamic state from Oct 27 to Nov 12.

Information chief Dr Haron Din (photo) said in a statement that the new date was suitable as it coincided with Nuzul Quran, a religious day for Muslims.

He explained that the postponement was necessary because party president Abdul Hadi Awang would be in Mecca on Oct 27, performing the Umrah together with the Terengganu ruler.

The document will be jointly launched by Hadi and spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat (photo) at 10am at the party headquarters in Taman Melewar in Gombak.

Guided by Quran

Haron had earlier said PAS would release the document which will state "what constitutes an Islamic state" on the first day of Ramadan (fasting month), which is expected to fall on Oct 27.

He said the release of the document had been pre-planned and discussed by party leaders at the highest level.

The document is expected to outline the PAS policy and vision of an Islamic state, a long-time ambition of the party when it comes to power.

In an interview with malaysiakini last week, Hadi had said the party's version of an Islamic state would adhere to the definitions stated in the Quran and Hadith (Traditions of the Prophet).

"We try to show the criteria of an Islamic state by practising democracy. We have never forced the non-Muslim community to accept our struggle and vision, which also includes the enforcement of Islamic laws," he said.

In line with its aim, the party had passed Islamic laws in Kelantan and Terengganu, the two states it rules.

Objection to idea

However, PAS' aim to set up an Islamic state has not gone down well with either the government or the party's allies in the opposition ranks.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had rubbished talks by PAS to set up an Islamic state by saying that Malaysia is already an Islamic state and it was recognised as such by other Muslim nations.

Opposition party DAP has said it is against any concept of Islamic state and argued that Malaysia is a secular state according to the Federal Constitution, and should remain as such.

DAP pulled out of the opposition coalition Barisan Alternatif two years ago following disagreement with PAS over the matter.