I find it really distressing that leaders on both side of the fence, government leaders or even opposition leaders opposed to PAS' core ideology of the Islamic state, are focusing their criticisms on policy areas that at best are minor, and at worst inconsequential.

The latest row, as reported by malaysiakini shows Mr Karpal Singh of the DAP ranting on about how PAS should not make 'illogical' suggestions to the federal government to separate men and women at check out counters.

PAS says that this policy will help reduce the incidence of rape, DAP says that it is a load of rubbish.

Honestly, the particular policy may or may not do as PAS says, or it may or may not be a load of rubbish as DAP says. The fact that there is no way we can know either way, proves that further discussion is simply a waste of time.

And, it is more than likely that PAS knows it, too. They are playing a very good political game called: "Let's waste our opponent's time and energy."

By bringing up all matters of small, inconsequential policy issues - issues that PAS very well knows its political opponents and media will pounce on, the party is actually buying itself time to avoid the issues that really matter. Magicians call this trick, 'misdirection' - politicians call it 'smart politicking'.

How much have we heard from PAS (and even Barisan Alternatif, for that matter) on serious policy issues such as the economy? Will the economy be run 'Islamically' - meaning all banks will have to do away with interest rates? What about PAS' plans to achieve Malaysia's aim of a developed nation status? What does PAS think about technology? Does PAS even have an economic planning unit?

In British politics, the Opposition party runs a shadow cabinet with a clear outline of its own policies, policies that it would act on if it was in power. Has BA in general and PAS in particular thought about setting up something similar (and remember, by policies, it is not those policies about whether a man and woman can stand together at a checkout counter)?

It is one thing to run two states, Kelantan and Terengganu, but the running of a federal government, and dealing with the international community is something else alltogether. Has PAS given us anything at all to indicate what its policy decisions will be at this level?

Sadly, no. This is not to condemn them, but I think if it wants the burgeoning middle class to vote for them, they will need to be able to satisfy them in this area.

How about foreign policies? What will PAS do in Asean? What sort of position will PAS take on Apec? On Afta?

How about PAS' plans to ensure that the racial divide in this country will be bridged? What does PAS think about the quota system that clearly benefits the Malays? What about PAS' view on education in public schools?

So many issues that are so much more important, so many issues in which you can readily measure their impact on society, so many issues that will make or break this country as we delve deeper into the 21st century.

So a word to the DAP and to anyone else who wants to challenge PAS' increasing popularity: Forget the supermarket check-out counters - ask them the real questions, and demand real answers.

And a word to PAS: Stop trying to buy yourselves time with inconsequential issues. You've got a smart leadership, now is the time to show the people just how smart you are by telling us how you're going to make Malaysia a success. We know your position on religious issues, now tell us your position on secular ones.