I agree with Lee Ban Chen's assessment that the challenge for PAS will be to further democratise the states that it is governing.

It is hard for non-Muslims to trust that PAS will continue to abide by its promises, in case when it takes over power in Malaysia, it imposes an over-zealous Islamic form of rule on non-Muslims.

For example, the move to ban singing and dancing in public is one that I fail to understand, either from a non-Muslim or Muslim point of view. For non-Muslims, singing and dancing are natural way to celebrate life and to enjoy life. It is also deeply embedded in our culture and religion.

I do not understand why the values of Muslims have to be imposed on non-Muslims. It is certainly, in my view, a violation of individual rights. Not to mention that it is against the principle of equality when the rights of minority have to be sacrificed in order to "respect the majority", as PAS' officials put it.

It is also, I think, against Islamic teachings - on tolerance and compassion toward non-Muslims - if our cultures and rights are limited and regulated. This would create needless bureaucracy by way of additional applications for permits.

I also don't understand how consumption of alcohol by non-Muslims can be offensive to Muslims. I am not encouraging excessive drinking but social drinking is fine. It is an enjoyable thing. After all Islam is not my religion so why should I abide by such rulings? I certainly would not offer alcohol to Muslims.

I hope that future policies and laws in Terengganu or Kelantan will be passed with more consideration than simple reasoning such as "the majority have to be respected".

Democracy cannot be reduced to the concept of 'majority rules', as practised by Umno-BN. If PAS and BA want to present themselves as a better alternative, they have to exercise their power more responsibly.