DAP has dampened its former opposition allies' hopes of rejoining the Barisan Alternatif (BA), even after the PAS leadership agreed to "soften" its stance on its controversial Islamic state policy.

While not completely ruling out the possibility of returning to the coalition - which it left in 2001 - a DAP leader insisted that the party cannot do so until PAS "abandons" its intention to set up an Islamic state should it come to power.

At the same time, secretary-general Lim Guan Eng voiced scepticism as to whether PAS would ever make such a concession.

Malaysiakini reported last week that PAS has agreed to go back to the BA's common manifesto adopted for the 1999 general election, in order to close ranks with other opposition parties after its dismal showing in the last polls.

The 1999 BA common manifesto was silent on the setting up of an Islamic state but accepted the practice of Islam as a way of life.

It is understood that ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim has initiated secret meetings with PAS and DAP leaders and one of its aims is to get the DAP back into the BA.

PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub was quoted as saying that the party plans to form a committee to explore the proposal and initiate meetings with DAP.

Meaning unclear

Contacted today, Lim stressed that his party would not co-operate unless PAS gives up its Islamic state policy, and further questioned its recent remarks.

"What is 'soften"? I don't understand what 'soften' means...it does not make any difference unless they say clearly and in no uncertain terms that they are going to abandon the Islamic state," he said.

"'Soften' means that (the Islamic state policy) is still in the package and that only the approach and presentation are different... it could be soften today and harden tomorrow."

However Lim refused to elaborate on what he meant by "abandon the Islamic state", saying only "it is up to PAS...they have to do this on its own".

He also denied there had been meetings with Anwar or that any proposal to rejoin BA is on the cards.

Instead, Lim reiterated there is "no room for discussion as long as Islamic state is still there" and for so long as PAS continues to impose Islamic regulations in Kelantan, which it rules.

He also said he doubted if DAP would be willing to adopt the 1999 BA formula again, citing the party's experiences in dealing with PAS as a coalition partner previously.

"They (PAS) never stuck to it (the 1999 BA manifesto)...they betrayed it and issued a different manifesto in Terengganu. We don't trust them anymore as far as this is concerned," Lim added.

Speculations

"We are not against any (of the PAS) leaders, but they have twisted and turned the policies adopted (by BA)."

DAP chairperson Karpal Singh, when contacted, described the re-entry proposal to as "speculative".

"Our stand is very clear," he said, but refused to elaborate.

DAP, which joined BA in 1999, left the coalition after a row with PAS over its policy to form an Islamic state. The coalition currently comprises PAS and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Anwar, who is PKR adviser, could not be reached for comment today as he is on the way to Britain for a three-month fellowship at Oxford University.