Before an Islamic state can be established, the people of a multi-religious country must first know what Islam actually is. Sadly in Malaysia today, even those who claim to be Muslims know little of their faith. What more the non-Muslims?

Islam, in the eyes of many non-Muslims, is a faith that 'preaches intolerance and oppression' - no thanks to the ugly and skewed picture painted by the media throughout the years. Therefore, a Barisan Alternatif government headed by PAS or Keadilan should not dream of establishing an Islamic state virtually overnight.

The negative feelings raised over this issue is actually the result of fear. Fear in turn is the product of ignorance. Therefore to abolish the fear and hate towards Islam and its principles, a BA government must first actively inform the populace about Islam through the mass media, talks, symposiums, books and what-have-you. This is a process that would take years, not days.

Being a Muslim and a BA supporter, I understand PAS' aim of establishing an Islamic state.

However, in my humble opinion as a rakyat of this nation, PAS should first be satisfied if they can implement it in the northern Malay/Muslim-dominated states if BA ever comes to power (God willing). "There is no compulsion in religion" is one of the most important articles of the Islamic faith and there should not be any compulsion in politics as well. Compromise and cooperation is the solution.

No doubt Dr Mahathir Mohamad's administration would milk every available political mileage that they can from this brouhaha. "Vote secular BN for continued stability", a campaign poster might shout. But with ever-decreasing Malay support and the Chinese already disgusted with MCA, can this issue keep them in power for another three years, come 2004?