The main reference of Disappointed in the 'Minority have rights too' is the incident in faraway Pakistan. Although the essence that the incident took place in a frontier ruled by Islamic parties may not be disputed, there could be many other factors which may not be mentioned that contributed to the unfortunate incident.

It is therefore a rather unfair comparison with the aspirations of PAS, in this instance. Perhaps it would be more relevant if Disappointed could cite incidences of PAS' failure to demonstrate fairness and justice in their treatment of minority in the two states under their rule i.e Kelantan and Terengganu. The citations, however, should be based on facts and figures rather than hearsay.

While nobody can deny that any system, regardless of divine aspirations, can be distorted by those human beings implementing it, the principle of Islamic administration or Islamic state recognizes several check and balance mechanisms.

As an example, the requirement of witnesses for the syariah court is considered stringent by today's standard. The standard of proof is another aspect whereby a mere mattress may not be sufficient to punish a person charged in a criminal case, let alone unreliable witnesses.

It is rather ironic that in most instances, Disappointed believes that a secular system is much better than a true Islamic system, while at the same time we hear cries to the new prime minister to restore law and order and fix the country's judiciary! Would a true Islamic system, if given a chance, breed discrimination, cronyism, racism, corruption and all the other social malaise we are worried about today?

The answer may never be within our reach with the kind of understanding like Disappointed's unless we look back to the glorious days of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the golden era of the Muslim empire when all the citizens, including the non-Muslims were respected, protected and allowed to practise their own religions and cultures.

Of course as a responsible citizen, there are several obligations that must be fulfilled towards the state. I am sure we would all benefit from an objective assessment of the current PAS record in so far as the minority's rights are concerned - if we dare to call a spade a spade, and give credit where it is due.

By all means, we should strive for constructive criticism in the spirit of freedom of expression, with a view to improve, rather than outright condemnation on superficial analysis based on assumptions. After all, giving the benefit of doubt to a defendant/accused, that one is innocent until proven guilty, are two most common elements of fairness and justice as far as rights are concerned. Why don't we practise that in our life when it is our turn to give, in the case of an Islamic state system?