The PAS leadership is concerned whether the party's memorandum on the Islamic state, which is to be announced next Wednesday, is comprehensive enough to convince non-Muslims of their rights and freedom under such a governance.

It is learnt that the memorandum fails to address crucial issues like the implementation of two-tier administration dealing with non-Muslims and the status of the Federal Constitution.

The memorandum instead extensively explains on religious aspects, substantiated with verses from the Quran and Hadith (traditions of Prophet Muhammad).

Party sources said this has caused uneasiness among certain PAS leaders who feel the approach and language used may not be understood by the general populace, especially non-Muslims.

"It is full of Arabic terms and Quranic verses. Of course it is alright for our Muslim supporters but will the non-Muslims understand them? I don't think so," said the source.

"I was informed that the memorandum was prepared fully by the ulama council (religious scholars). If what I have been told is true, I fear the party's main objective to attract non-Muslims to our concept of Islamic state will not succeed," he added.

Six sections

A copy of the 31-page memorandum, which was made available to malaysiakini, comprises six main sections: introduction, Islamic state development (tasawuur), major policies of an Islamic state, major characteristic of an Islamic state, general policies and the conclusion

In the introduction, it was reiterated that PAS' political policy respected the diversity of culture, ethics, race and religion in Malaysia. It also explained the meaning of an Islamic state based on Quranic verses and the Hadith.

The memorandum said for a positive development, an Islamic state must confine its policies to Islamic principles, be lead by a pious Muslim leader and promote peace.

It also stated that the government is responsible to ensure that the welfare of non-Muslims is protected and that they are free to subscribe and practice the religion of their choice.

Twelve pages are allocated to explain the major policies of an Islamic state regarding the concepts of rule of law, khilafah (leadership), taqwa (faith), syura (consultation), al- adaalah was musaawaah (justice and equality), ah-huriyyah (freedom) and, as-siyaadah wal-haakimiyah (sovereignty).

Among others, it stated that the syura or consultation is one of the major policies of an Islamic state.

"Syura will make the Dewan Rakyat as a meeting council where the people are allowed to express their opinion through their respective representative. The Dewan Negara will then act as the gatekeeper and decision maker on all matters resolved at the Dewan Rakyat ."

The document stated that an Islamic state provides individuals with the freedom and right to free speech, participation in organisations and political parties, property ownership and religious belief..

"However such freedom is not an absolute right but guided by a regulation which protects the rights of others. Islam does not admit absolute right because it can threat and disturb other people's freedom.".

On the other hand, only two pages were allocated to explain the main characteristics of an Islamic state which among others included transparency, loyalty, welfare, consultative parliament and constitutional monarchy.

"An Islamic state will reinforce the practice of the consultative parliament and Malaysia's constitutional monarchy guided by Islamic teachings."

Another four pages provide brief information on an Islamic state's general policy in the administration of economic, social, defence, foreign affairs, health, women, youth, culture, tourism and public facilities.

However, apart from reiterating its promise to improve the situation in the above areas, the memorandum did not offer any cogent plan of action on how this will be delivered.

Glaring absence

Meanwhile, another source who has been briefed on the contents of the memorandum said the most glaring absence is PAS' plans to carry out its two tier administration strategy and issues concerning the constitution.

He is puzzled as to why these issues are are left out when the party's think-tank had carried out an extensive research on them

"Even during the time of the late Fadzil Noor (former PAS president), extensive discussion and research were conducted to ensure that we present an Islamic state that not only embodies Islamic principles but a state with democratic policies acceptable by non-Muslims in the new millennium. I wonder what had happened since then?" said the source.

It is believed that the party's central working committee will discuss the matter at its meeting on Sunday.

"I really hope that they will seriously reconsider releasing the document to the public. I think it is going to do more harm than good to the party," said the source.

The Islamic state was a thorny issue for PAS whose views and policy on the matter failed to go down well with the government and its political allies.

Its leaders have given the assurance that the party does not intend to change the constitution and vehemently denied that it will establish a theocratic Islamic state

Its president Abdul Hadi Awang also revealed the party's two-tier strategy in his presidential address at the previous Muktamar (general assembly) and many believed that these details will be revealed in the memorandum.