Anwar Ibrahim's article in Time articulated extremely well, the problems we face here. This is in comparison to the poor quality rhetoric we have come to expect from the Mahathir regime, and PAS, both of which have capitalised on the Sept 11 events for their own personal ends.

The Mahathir regime has used this opportunity to again bolster its argument for retaining laws and practices such as the ISA, media licences, substantial government involvement in the judiciary, as well as its general attitude of 'government knows best'.

With the retaliatory attacks, the Mahathir regime is able to use them as another example of 'western imperialism' putting down Asians, etc. In other words, it is between "Us and Them". This allows him to blame others for our problems. Also, highlighting the shortcomings of the westerners can take away the spotlight from those of his regime.

Whereas PAS, being fundamentalist Islamists, needs to cater to the prevailing wind that's blowing. Whether or not the war is justified, most people feel uncomfortable with innocent casualties resulting from war (quite rightly so), and if that mood can be tapped into, than all the better.

The above three realities are continuing examples of why I have no respect for both Umno and PAS.

Repressive regimes result in terrorists and the likes. When people can't air there grievances in a civilised manner, they eventually become uncivilised. This doesn't justify terrorism, but it helps to encourage it, much like smoking encourages cancer.

As Anwar pointed out, some Muslims can do a serious disservice to other Muslims. PAS choosing to "go with the flow" rather than showing leadership is doing just that. Reading the mood of the electorate, PAS has done well.

But would many ruling PAS members or the families like to live under a Taliban-like regime, when alternatively one can live by the Quran and retain some degree of freedom and dignity?

I wish there was an opportunity for more politicians to take the time to think about an issue and be willing to articulate it. Maybe that's a luxury only those in jail have. Perhaps, politicians do intelligently express themselves and the media aren't interested. Maybe most people aren't interested.

Either way, it is important for people who have something to say, to do so. When people articulate an argument properly, some others will start to listen. And perhaps, if you are lucky, your idea may travel through conversations over a teh tarik, or a kopi-o.