Dr Syed Husin Ali's call for a review of Barisan Alternatif's relationship with PAS is certainly welcomed. Many Malaysians including myself have sought clarification on this issue in the past. I am glad BA is finally grabbing the bull by its horns and dealing with this complicated issue.

This move will benefit BA tremendously as this has been one of the main issues hanging over the coalition like a sore thumb. Many non-Muslims were wary of BA in the last elections because of PAS. This was clearly reflected by the huge losses suffered by DAP and Keadilan.

PAS must realise that it cannot continue bullying other BA members. PAS members have long been arrogantly saying that the only reason Keadilan got any seats in the last elections was because of PAS.

The fact that they have the nerve to come out with an Islamic-state blueprint without consulting other BA members says a lot of their sincerity towards the BA.

There has to be a united, consistent and fair manifesto coming out from the BA, specifically in dealing with the following issues:

1) How does the BA intend to consolidate its various ideologies and platforms? PAS seems bent on their Islamic-state proposal, while Keadilan and PRM's credo is to seek justice for all. Put DAP into the equation and the whole issue is one big mess. Mainstream newspapers are having a jolly time mocking the BA because of this, and more credibility is currently being lost.

2) What will BA's relationship be with DAP? Assuming DAP regains some seats in the next election and is required by BA to form a coalition government, how will differences with PAS be resolved?

3) There has to be full clarification on how BA aims to deal with the Islamic state issue. While Syed Husin has clearly mentioned that the blueprint has not been sanctioned by BA, the rakyat needs more information on this issue.

To many people, the silence of Keadilan and PRM prior to this meant that they implicitly agreed with PAS' proposal. The cat is already out of the bag. Keeping mum over the Islamic state issue can only further hurt BA.

Many Malaysians are desperately looking for an alternative. Displaying maturity in resolving differences will go a long way in portraying BA as an organszation with integrity and solidarity. Transparency is the only way to deal with the issue.

There is only so much the mainstream media can slander BA. People will see right through it and start to view BA in a new perspective. The key here is to deal with PAS.

Thank you for speaking up Mr Syed Husin. If BA can deal with this issue and have a united stand the next elections, I'm sure that it will do much better this time. Reformasi!