Anyone with pressing questions over the Islamic state document released by PAS on Wednesday are invited to clear their doubts with PAS Youth directly.

Its chief Salahuddin Ayub said any comments without proper knowledge of the characteristics of an Islamic state would be unreasonable.

"We wish to remind all Muslims to refrain from giving extensive comments to the point of affecting their faith because the document is based on the al-Quran and Sunnah," he said in a statement today.

"On the other hand, Muslims need to delve deeper into the concept of an Islamic state before commenting on it."

Salahuddin said PAS Youth is prepared to face anyone, including top Umno/Barisan Nasional leaders, to discuss the document.

"We are willing to discuss, hold dialogues and debate the Islamic state document with any party for the purpose of clarification."

Posers for Umno

PAS Youth also challenged Umno/BN which referred to the document as PAS' Islamic state, to release a similar document explaining Umno's Islamic state.

He asked Umno whether gambling, interests (on loans), alcohol, immoral activities and beauty pageant makes Malaysia an Islamic state.

"(Does) Umno think that demeaning the traditions of the Prophet, criticising ulamas (religious scholars), sacking muftis (religious heads), preventing mosque gatherings, closing down religious schools, hurling sodomy charges without the required four witnesses, not exercising hudud and cruelty to citizens makes Malaysia an Islamic state?"

Salahuddin said PAS Youth felt the polemic raised by various quarters over the document, particularly BN leaders, came from those who are "politically-fearful".

He said the movement could accept different views about the Islamic state concept but not arguments declaring that it was not relevant or insignificant to implement in Malaysia today.

"We reject all views that claim today's Malaysia is an Islamic state, unless it is merely a clone. Therefore, claims by some that a big portion of the document has already been implemented by the BN is inaccurate and nonsense."

He explained that the document released two days ago was a rough outline for an Islamic state model which will be implemented if PAS comes to power, with the details to follow later.

"The document is not to fish for votes but more of a reiteration of the party's goal set since in 1951."

Extensive research

The Islamic state document is a result of extensive research by party leaders, and discussions with members, allies in the Alternative Front and non-Muslim groups.

PAS leadership has expressed doubts over the acceptability of its proposal by the country's non-Muslims to establish an Islamic state based on the document.

The idea was mooted two years ago when former party chief, the late Fadzil Noor, took on the challenge by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the Islamic party to come up with its version of an Islamic state.

Since its unveiling, PAS' proposal has drawn criticism from BN component parties, particularly from the MCA leadership which expressed firm opposition to the idea.