I read the letter written by Lee Pusan ('Secularists, too, should be more open-minded', July 31) with great interest. What she was saying in that letter, especially regarding how those who disagree with the idea of Islamic state, is very true indeed.

Too many people disagree with PAS and the idea of Islamic state without having analysed the issue properly. They failed to see that it is the democratic right of anyone to promote whatever idea that they believe in. And this includes the Islamic state. The issue should be discussed in a healthy and frank manner, without forgetting that the real enemy, the real zealots are those within the Barisan Nasional.

Yes, we may disagree on whether or not it is acceptable to have a theocratic state. We may be suspicious on whether or not it is feasible to set up such a state. But can we please disagree, or debate, or discuss in a brotherly way?

The squabble between DAP and PAS seems very childish to me, as I have been living in the United Kingdom for the last 8 years. Over here, even the government and the opposition work together hand in hand whenever there is a common aim. But in Malaysia even those sitting in the same opposition bench are quarreling in a very unhealthy way. What is the point in using the media when everyone knows that many of them have no respect for journalism ethics?

It would be much better for everyone in the "opposition" to sit together in a civilised way, discuss their differences and agree to disagree on some issues. The last thing we need in Malaysia is an opposition party who takes the role of opposing another opposition party. In such a case, as we can expect, BN is the one who will reap the reward.

I would suggest that each party within BA agree that they all have their own beliefs. Respect those beliefs. Look at BN. MCA represents the Chinese. MIC represents the Indians. Others (including Umno!) represent mixed races. They have their own set of aims but they work together to keep the power to themselves. Why can't DAP, PAS, PRM and Keadilan each hang on to their beliefss and at the same time work harmoniously to defeat BN and keep the power to BA? If BA breaks up (hopefully not), I would hate to see it break because of internal squabbling.