If it ever comes to power, PAS and its allies in Barisan Alternatif would have no choice but to abolish the Internal Security Act. Citizens would no longer be deprived of their rights to be informed of the charges against them, to have access to lawyers, or not to be beaten up.

I dare say this because the Quran is full of injunctions requiring the ruler to be just to all his subjects, not to accuse them without sufficient evidence, and to give them every right to defend

themselves in an open court. This is so well-known to committed Muslims, whose support PAS relies on, that they would not be allowed to continue with the injustices of the BN government, even if they were inclined to.

Islamic law is based on the well-known principle that it is better to acquit a guilty person than to punish an innocent one, and that guilt must be proven "beyond any doubt", not just "beyond any reasonable doubt". For offences which carry heavy penalties, the prosecution must produce at least four eye witnesses of impeccable character to support its case.

Such a premise is surely acceptable to those who believe in true justice. Dr Mahathir Mohamad's argument that it is impossible to adhere to this requirement today shows his cynicism and contempt for justice.

For those who believe in God and the Day Of Judgement, they are certain that all men and women will have to account for all of their deeds on this Earth, before the All Knowing. A person guilty of causing hurt to another person (for example, murder, siphoning of the national wealth for himself, his family, and cronies, slandering another person, etc) will be punished, if not in this world, then in the next, unless the victims forgive him.

On the other hand, a person who's sin is against God (for example, adultery, not performing obligatory prayers or fast, etc), may repent, and his fate will be between him and the Lord alone. Thus, justice will inevitably be served.

In view of the above, the independence of the judiciary, which the country lost in 1988, would have the guarantee of being restored only if the Barisan Alternatif is returned to power.