Jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim today warned Barisan Alternatif (BA) leaders not to fall for political ploys by their rivals over PAS' Islamic state document.

He said opposition leaders should instead focus their strengths on ensuring that public attention is not diverted from their main struggle of bringing about reform and upholding justice and freedom.

"With the maturity of the BA leadership in tackling the issue and not being dragged into Barisan Nasional's ploy, we can foster stronger co-operation," said Anwar in comments to malaysiakini and PAS organ Harakah.

"There may be differences in our approach on certain policies but we are united and committed to the main issue (to uphold justice and freedom)."

Parti Keadilan Rakyat, of which Anwar is adviser, had rapped its opposition front partner for releasing the document last Wednesday, claiming that this would provide fodder for BN as well as upset the opposition's electoral chances.

As expected, the document drew flak from the parties in the ruling coalition.

'Open debate hampered'

Anwar said it was unfortunate that "oppressive" political conditions in Malaysia have hampered people from openly discussing the document.

Instead of having healthy debates, he said BN leaders had chosen to attack PAS in order to instill fear among the public.

"The criticism from Umno is mind boggling. While one faction claims that the document is merely a political gimmick, the other admits that some policies in the document have already been implemented by the BN government," he said.

"BN's pronouncement that Malaysia is an Islamic state is an insult to the religion because the core principle of an Islamic state is to safeguard fundamental rights including freedom of expression, religion and livelihood - this is not practised, while corruption is rampant and the judiciary is impaired."

Anwar said it was inappropriate for anyone to compel Muslims to reject the concept of an Islamic state as Islam encompasses worldly and spiritual aspects where religion and statehood are not separated.

On the document, he said PAS has outlined the basic policies of Islamic governance and reiterated its commitment to safeguard the rights of all Malaysians and to maintain democracy without changing the Federal Constitution .

"PAS has long stated its stand on the Islamic state, ever since it (the party) was formed half a century ago. Even when it joined BN (in the 1970s), that policy remained in its constitution," he added.

"The party's record in governing Kelantan and Terengganu has proven that its policy has not created any major problems for non-Muslims."

Anwar is currently serving a nine-year jail sentence for sodomy and had previously served a prison term for corruption.

The ex-deputy premier, who was sacked in 1998, claims that the charges were trumped up but the authorities have denied this.

PAS has openly supported him and has repeatedly indicated its agreement to nominate him as prime minister, if BA wins the general election.