It is difficult to answer calls for putting up a strong opposition, especially if you've read the Barisan Alternatif manifesto. There are two main problems with it. The first considering the kind of statements PAS has issued over the years about Islamic state and women etc., it is difficult to believe that PAS will stand for some of the things promised in the BA manifesto. Two, some of the populist things proposed reveal either the great ignorance or immense irresponsibility of the BA.

According to the Manifesto, PAS (& Keadilan) will among others:

- Menjamin tiada pemaksaan budaya serta memelihara amalan tradisi budaya

- Meningkatkan peranan wanita dalam penggubalan dasar

- Melaksanakan reformasi perundangan syariah meliputi hak wanita

- Menyediakan kemudahan taman rekreasi yang mencukupi dan selesa di Bandar dan kediaman penduduk.

Considering that:

- PAS is against 'unIslamic' art forms e.g. wayang kulit, lion dances unless it follows their strict interpretations of 'permissibility' and that

- PAS has said so many things about women inviting rape, women not being fit to be in a public positions and ugly women making better workers and that

- PAS considers most forms of recreation a hotbed or catalyst for vice ...

... I find these things in the BA manifesto pretty un-credible!

Has there been a revolution within PAS that their conservative factions are unaware of? Or is this just evidence of PAS' ideological quick-change to suit the circumstances? If you want to be more progressive, fine, but at least be consistent.

My other grouse is where they re going to get the money for all this.

According to the manifesto, BA will among others:

- Memansuhkan bayaran tol secara berperingkat-peringkat

- Memotong caj telefon dan bil air sebanyak 20%

- Menjamin setiap rakyat memiliki rumah sendiri

- Mewujudkan gaji minima RM1000

- Memotong kadar cukai korporat syarikat 20% bagi semua syarikat untuk jangka panjang

Wait a minute! Who's going to pay for maintenance of roads and highways? Don't we have one of the lowest telco and water rates in the region? How is each citizen going to own his/her home?

How many people are you going to put out of work with a minimum wage? If you cut corporate taxes, does that mean we'll have to compensate with higher income taxes? Or do you plan to borrow indefinitely to finance all this? Did all this just sound good and you'll work out the bugs later?

A lot of opinions have been flying over the last two weeks saying that the opposition needs to have a bigger mandate to ensure better checks and balances. Checks and balances are fine, but not from a hare-brained opposition.