The hoopla generated by the negative response towards the Islamic state document presented by PAS goes to show that even though we try to view our society as being open-minded and progressive, we still have in-built prejudices that overshadow our so-called common sense.

We rant and rave when the opposition brings up issues which do not go in line with the government's policy but when the situation is reversed, we give our whole hearted support.

Nonetheless, I am both glad and saddened by the comments given by the many readers. Glad that they have the mind to sit up and take notice. Saddened because straight out of the box, the remarks are judgmental.

First and foremost, has anyone gone through the 53-page document generated? We rely on the media to feed us the general opinion. Why don't you ask PAS to publish a PDF version online for everyone to read. Then let us sit down and discuss. The negative responses shown, project an air of ignorance at the principles and goals highlighted in the document.

I hope malaysiakini will be able to publish a copy of the document for the benefit of all the readers. Then we can discuss and debate.

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Editor's note:

Readers can obtain a copy of the Islamic state document - both in Bahasa Malaysia and English - from Harakah online .