I quite concur with Prof P Ramasamy's view that the split between DAP and PAS was inevitable ('PAS' arrogance drove DAP away: don', Sept 23). However, I do not think he was correct to say that PAS' indifference or arrogance towards the feelings of the non-Muslims in the Barisan Alternatif vis-a-vis the Islamic state issue has contributed largely to the fallout.

PAS has been true to its vision since the day of its inception, this issue of Islamic state is not a new concoction. The only visible difference between now and then is that PAS can now get its views across more often to the public and political analysts.

Now if you adhere to what you have believed since day one, I fail to see any arrogance in that. It is more a matter of honesty and being true to yourself and the people you address. You do not switch your visions and aims based on any transient, fruitful circumstances; you merely adapt your approach but the crux of the struggle would still be in line with your original aim.

It would be an insult to DAP to say that it failed to grasp this the moment it decided to join BA. I believe it weighed all options and was quite aware of PAS's stance on the Islamic state issue.

So why this fallout? Pressure from the grassroots played the biggest part in this decision. The DAP central executive committee members on their part have failed to explain the raison d'etre for the party's existence in the pact.

Another significant contributory factor to this was the incessant BN propaganda machine linking PAS with all ills in Malaysia. Not only that, PAS is portrayed to advocate the brand of Islam which causes fear and apprehension even to the Muslims themselves, let alone the non-Muslims. This fear and apprehension were key elements that forced the Chinese to discard PAS and the BA alliance, coupled with the World Trade Center idiotic attacks.

It is a sad day for the coalition of justice-loving individuals in BA but certainly not the end of the pact. Under the circumstances, it is best for DAP to distance itself from PAS for a short while to take off the heat.

Some form of undertaking would undoubtedly be arranged in the future between PAS and DAP. DAP is too wise to fall for BN's dirty tactics.

For PAS, it still has its work cut out in convincing the people, especially the non-Muslims, on how Islamic laws in Malaysia can work.