DAP's demand for PAS to abandon its controversial Islamic state policy has not deterred the latter from continuing with a reconciliation effort towards a strong opposition coalition.

PAS vice-president Dr Hassan Ali told malaysiakini that the party will not allow strong-worded statements to weaken efforts to persuade DAP to rejoin Barisan Alternatif (BA).

"Yes, 'abandon' is a very strong word, but we are certainly not put off by it. I believe we should not allow anything or anyone to divert us from the bigger picture. Despite disagreement over the issue of Islamic state, I believe there are more important areas that we can agree on," he said.

Hassan was commenting on DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng's statement that the party cannot return to BA until PAS abandons its intention to form an Islamic state should it come to power.

Lim had also said PAS' alleged plan to soften its stance on the Islamic state is not enough for DAP to mend its relationship with its former ally.

DAP, a Chinese-majority party, left BA in 2001 after a row with PAS over the Islamic state issue. BA currently comprises PAS and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Declining to comment further on Lim's demand, Hassan said in forming a coalition of different parties with different ideologies, there would eventually be some "gradual softening" from all sides.

"Whatever it is, we will continue the efforts (towards reconciliation) and to date I think things have been very positive," said Hassan, who is also PAS Selangor commissioner.

Special meeting

On the same issue, PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub proposed that a special meeting be held for DAP and PAS leaders to discuss the issue further.

"Rather than speaking to the media, leaders should meet and talk. A meeting would prevent any possibility of misinterpretation of our statements. If DAP agrees to this, I will personally arrange for it," he said.

Opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat's adviser Anwar Ibrahim has held talks with the two key opposition parties separately over the past few weeks to broker a unity plan.

Asked whether it was fair for DAP to impose conditions on PAS, Salahuddin said DAP is free to do so.

"However, the conditions cannot be in such a form that they create a deadlock. PAS is always open to discussion and the leaders are, I believe, open minded. I have high expectations that DAP will take this invitation in a positive manner," he added.

Political analyst Lutfi Othman said it was unfair of DAP to impose such a drastic condition on PAS knowing very well that Islam is the basis of its struggle.

"Don't impose something you know that the party could never fulfil. I think even those within the party who did not agree to the launch of the Islamic state document would not agree with the call to totally abandon it ... what more the hardcore supporters of Islamic state.

"I feel that DAP's statement against Islam and its role of integration in Malaysia is too strong. If this is continued without mitigation, it would not only affect efforts for a united opposition but also affect Muslims in general."

He also said PAS' readiness to soften is stance on the Islamic state is a positive development for the party.

"When it was first launched, many criticised the move stating that it was the wrong political move. PAS now realises that it offers the closest competition to Umno which heads the ruling coalition.

"PAS must be sensitive to public perceptions. I think that, if the issue is handled with caution, the opposition may have a working formula by the next election."