It is meaningless for Pak Lah to promote Islam Hadhari - which is supposed to be more progressive and fair - whilst at the same time indirectly deny Ku Li from contesting a senior position that befits his seniority and stature in the forthcoming Umno elections.

Pak Lah must realise that selective democracy a la Mahathir is not consistent with that practiced in Islam. Let Mahathirism be left where it belongs - in the history books to be judged by the future generations.

For its elections, Umno now needs to re-embrace mainstream democracy that is consistent with the spirit of Islam. In Islam we need to ensure that there is a fair and orderly voting procedure and that no qualified person is barred from contesting the election for any reason whatsoever.

Doing so would deny the person from discharging his social responsibility to the nation - which in Islam is incumbent upon him (or her) if he so qualifies (this is under Fardu al- Kifayah).

The nation must not be denied the opportunity of having a more qualified person from becoming it topmost leader especially during this very challenging times.

The fundamental concept of justice in Islam must not be violated as justice in Islam means placing things in their rightful order to be fair and democratic to all.

To indirectly deny Ku Li from contesting the Umno polls under any guise or excuse is not proper and is nothing more than a political stratagem reminiscent of the ploy used by Mu'awiyah when he defeated Ali Abu Talib.

Pak Lah should have demonstrates to us that he practices what he preaches. Let us see from him conscientious affirmative actions and not just empty pious words.