It may not have been a coordinated two-pronged appeal by Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, but its timing and relevance should not be lost on Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. For therein lies the key to better governance and salvation for the country.

By appealing to his impeccable lineage and religious roots, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Syed Husin Ali has cleverly prodded at the one chink in Pak Lah's armour that can make a difference: his conscience.

In his maiden speech as prime minister, Pak Lah was moved to tears on the subject of civil liberties - perhaps a manifestation of the internal conflicts he faces when he locks up someone in the name of national security.

Now that he has nowhere to hide and no Mahathir Mohamad to blame, Wan Azizah and Syed Husin are asking him to listen to the little voice in his head, long muted by Mahathir's cacophony. They are asking him to practice what his religion has taught him and not follow the teachings of the misguided.

And as if on cue, Anwar advises him to open up and allow more democratic space for the people. For only by empowering the masses through engagement and upholding institutions that are cornerstones to a just administration can there be hope for a better future for the country.

In essence it will be a leap of faith for Pak Lah for he must free himself from the shackles of a system that currently moves to perpetuate the BN's hegemony at any price.

He owes it to his forefathers, his religion and his country that he gives it his best shot and be willing to pay the price.