I refer to the recent report in Washington Times in which Amy Ridenour, president of the National Centre for Public Policy Research, a non-partisan think tank, commented that Anwar Ibrahim had close links to radical Islamic fundamentalists and had begun an international campaign to destabilise the Malaysian government.

It cannot be denied that ever since Anwar's incarceration, there have been militant groups linked to Islamic fundamentalists. First, it was the Al' Ma-unah case, and now the arrest of 10 members under the ISA for their alleged involvement in the Malaysian Mujahideen Group (KMM), a terrorist religious group. Eight of the 10 members arrested belonged to PAS, and the 34-year-old son of the party's spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat was identified by police as the ringleader.

This has put PAS in a negative light as it is now perceived as supporting militancy as one of its political aims. This is indeed alarming and PAS has yet to condemn the bombing of the two churches in Jakarta and a shopping mall, other than just to complain that it is a political ploy by Umno to discredit PAS.

That's their familiar refrain, when they have gone bankrupt of ideas, as they can't even prove that the government is lying. In fact, Nik Aziz has admitted that his son had visited Afghanistan and knows about his son's involvement in jihad during the Afghan crisis, when he was studying in Pakistan; two countries notorious for terrorism. The police have done a great job in nabbing the Islamic extremists. I doubt the police will simply arrest them for political motives, if there is no evidence linking them to terrorism.

The dismissal of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as deputy premier and Umno deputy president has in a way changed our political landscape. In spite of the Federal Constitution being drafted very clearly that Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, there have been calls to establish an Islamic state by PMIP (now known as PAS) as far back as in the 1960s, especially in Kelantan.

The quest for an Islamic state gained momentum after the Iranian revolution in 1979. It was spearheaded by PAS and the Muslim youth organisation Abim. Founded in 1972, Abim experienced the height of its popularity under its president, Anwar Ibrahim from 1974 to 1982. In 1982, Anwar left ABIM to join Umno.

Towards the end of 1982, the government announced the policy of inculcating Islamic values in the administration and the lives of the Malaysian people. Anwar was then appointed deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department and was put in charge of Islamic affairs.

Dr Chandra Muzaffar in his book Islamic Resurgence in Malaysia made two observations. Firstly, it was Dr Mahathir who brought Anwar into the government, and secondly, Anwar was the "major figure" connected with the government's Islamisation programme.

Islamic banking was introduced in 1983 and Islamic Insurance in 1985. The International Islamic University was founded in 1983. Around that time, dakwah or Islamic missionary activities were aggressively promoted using the official radio and television channels.

During his tenure as education minister, Datuk Seri Anwar was responsible for Islamising the education syllabus. Islamic civilisation was introduced in schools and world religions were taught with a pro-Islamic bias. In the textbooks, other religions were portrayed in a negative light in comparison with Islam.

Incidentally, one of the first groups to declare their support for Anwar after his dismissal was the Ulamaks association.

In Dr Mahathir's many speeches, he has rejected the idea of an Islamic state ruled by Mullahs. He advocates a modern interpretation of the Quran that is in line with universal values.

He has repeatedly pointed out that the Muslim majority cannot ignore opinions, pressures and powers outside this country. He rejects the antiquated practices of the historical Islamic civilisation as a norm for modern times, especially in the light of globalisation.

Thus, it can be seen from the above analysis, that Anwar has links to radical Islam fundamentalists, and PAS is one of them. We must look beyond the charisma of political personalities be it the Mullahs or the former deputy PM, and see the agenda for the country that these personalities are committed to.

Because of this, there should be a self-purging reaction in the highest level of our government, that will move this country away from religious extremism and towards moderation and tolerance in a multi-racial and multi-religious society, where Islam is already rightfully enshrined and respected in Article 3 of the Federal Constitution as the Religion of Malaysia.

For PAS to harp on an Islamic state in full view of Article 3, only goes to show their extremism and intolerance towards a multi-racial and multi-religious country. PAS, by emphasising its call for an Islamic state, has betrayed the BA manifesto, and will continue to fail to get the understanding of non-Muslims in our society.

For PAS to insist in setting up an Islamic state if it comes to power, it is only inevitable that Islamic fundamentalism will take root and Islamic extremists will resort to militancy to destabilise the country.

PAS has itself to blame for this rise of militancy. Thus, Amy Ridenour had good reasons when she said that the United States should not be fooled into backing Anwar.