Religion is a sensitive issue they say, and yet, many unabashedly push religion into the realm of politics. Separation of the 'church' and the state is certainly something recent in provenance.

First advocated by Montaigne, the idea was duly recognised in the Treaty of Westphalia in 1640; it later gained a greater currency following its codification into the American constitution some 200-odd years ago.

Separation of the 'church' and the state is not really rooted in any ideology. It is in fact but a product of necessity. Its importance rose as improvements in communication and transportation (what we these days call globalisation) brought more and more people in contact with each other.

It was, in other words, seen as an arrangement to maintain peace between nations, between people of differing believe systems.

Of course, quite unfortunately, intolerant forces (of the 'Kemalist' kind) acquired it, and (ab)used it to push through their nationalist and fascist agenda, giving secularism, in the process, the bad name it doesn't really deserve.

Now Malaysia. Pas openly advocates the creation of the so-called Islamic State (an oxymoron). Would they ever come to renounce it? Maybe, but I very much doubt it. In any case, I don't see the merit in the paranoia surrounding the issue.

All these statements of how PAS will never, or is incapable of, compromising its wish on 'Islamic State': It's just ludicrous!

Don't we all have principles? Aren't we all religious, or spiritual, in our very own way? And yet, however staunch a believer or uncompromising and adherent we are, or at least strive to be, we still do envisage compromises when it comes to politics. After all - to repeat a cliche - politics is but an art of the possible.

For this simple reason, I am sure PAS, too, would compromise, as we all do; they, too, are intelligent human persons. Just like you and I, PAS members, too, have hopes and aspirations. They are not, as some tend to think, a bunch of unthinking fanatics, bent upon wreaking havoc in multi-cultural Malaysia.

Yes, it is true PAS wants to create an 'Islamic state' (whatever that means). And, it is equally true that many of us earnestly believe that the separation of 'church' and state is a must for any polity, particularly one that is multi-cultural like ours.

And yet, we have compromised (the present regime), allowing in the process, discrimination on the grounds of religious persuasion. I am absolutely certain PAS would, too.

There is a greater, nastier, and immediate demon at our doorsteps to slay. Rational minds, prioritise.