The recent tussle between DAP and PAS is very worrying. Both DAP and PAS should reflect on their stands bearing in mind the following issues:

1) If DAP supports democracy, then it should support majority rule with minority rights and protections. The fact that the Malaysian constitution established a secular state is an accident of history bearing in mind that Muslims were coming out of their colonial yoke in which Islam was disinherited from its rightful place in society for hundreds of years. If the majority of Malaysians want an Islamic state, democrats (Muslim or non-Muslim) must accept the fact.

2) As PAS itself points out, it is impossible for PAS to come into power by itself. Even if it wins all the Malay majority seats, it still needs the support of its other BA allies to amend the constitution to implement an Islamic state democratically. DAP and Keadilan MPs , together with a strong opposition BN, can vote against such amendments.

3) The only feasible way is to persuade the non-Muslims to accept the Islamic state with their rights guaranteed by referendum or convert non-Muslims to Islam through education and da'wah (Islam strictly prohibits forced conversion or undue influence).

4) Why doesn't DAP realise the major objective of an Islamic state is justice to all? Granted that the living examples of Islamic states are not exemplary, but in Malaysia, we have (or will have) a democratic environment with plenty of room for discussion.

DAP should drop its objection to the Islamic state as a matter of principle as this is tantamount to opposing the creation of a just state in accordance with the values of the majority of people in Malaysia, i.e. Islam.

DAP, Keadilan and even really Islamic members of PAS can always insist and champion the rights of the minority and they will get it.

5) It is very unfair for DAP or the other component parties to ask PAS to give up its idea of an Islamic state. That is the raison d'etre of PAS. It is like asking DAP to sign away its right to struggle for democratic socialism.

6. However, in the present circumstances, in order not to disappoint, confuse and anger the would be voters, PAS can sign a document stating that it will not implement an Islamic state except in a democratic and in an evolutionary non-coercive manner over a long period of time and not when/if the BA comes into power in the next elections.

Instead, it will concentrate its efforts on putting the nation on a strong and just economic and social footing, and inculcating strong universal moral values in all its youth.

Come on, DAP - give BA a chance. Give and take for a better and more just Malaysia. Let the voters and citizens decide what type of laws they want. Don't fight it amongst yourself. Don't ask PAS to murtad to promote your own agenda. This is totally unacceptable.