I am convinced that the loss suffered by PAS at the 11 ^th general election is twofold. One, the way the election was conducted and two, PAS' overconfidence and, more importantly, it being ill-prepared for the election (I used the word ill-prepared intentionally).

No matter how short the campaigning period may be, four years and three months is a long time to prepare.

My suggestion to PAS is to introspectively check their methods used to convince the electorate. Remember, they are both Malays and non-Malays and Muslims and non-Muslims. The methods to woo these people must be appropriate, while keeping PAS' basic principles intact.

It may take a long time, but things mature over time. If PAS is sincerely projecting Islam as away of life, I'm convinced people will ultimately agree with PAS. Remember, we should learn from history. Cheats will ultimately be exposed (George Bush and Tony Blair come to mind).

Another way of looking at things, knowing how the BN works (or 'cheats'), is for PAS not to openly announce its intention of capturing any state(s). Do the necessary leg work, convince the people, strategise, hold on to what the party already has. Come election time, if another state falls, work hard to keep it. Work to change another state, another and another.

From what I notice, comments made by PAS leaders after the elections do not auger well for the opposition if it wants to replace the BN someday.