With reference to Freddy Toh's letter, PAS sanctions 'non-halal' alternative budget? , he poses an interesting question, namely, "Now, how can any sane Malaysian believe that PAS is about to do a turnaround?"

That is easy, the practical realities of drafting a budget has made PAS realise that it cannot ban alcohol outright. Nor can it end Genting's casino operations or Magnum's Toto or the 4-D. It cannot do this for the same reason that no government in the world can ban tobacco; it is plain economics sense.

Simply put, governments are dependent on tax revenues to function. While a tax on "sinful" activities is not the major contributor to tax revenues, such taxes are nevertheless significant to the government's coffer. Thus, PAS may just have to bite the bullet on the 'non-halal' budget.

I see the shadow budget presentation as a commendable step for the opposition. The PAS sanctioning of a 'non-halal' budget merely goes to show that it places practicality above theory (contrary to the propaganda we so often hear from the mainstream media) and is indicative of a slow emergence of a possible alternative government.

Face it, it's time for the Barisan Nasional to buck up. The BA promises a clean and just government and now, they are learning how to become an economically competent government. This is wonderful for democracy and better yet, wonderful for Malaysia.

Keep up the good work on the opposition benches!