I am writing in response to Chan Yoke Meng's letter ('Why I support the government', Aug 16) and Arbibi Ashoy's letter ('PAS is more "religion" tolerant than BN', Sept 5).

Two years ago just before the 1999 general elections, I was requested to go to Kota Baru for a four-day assignment. I was quite apprehensive as to what to expect in view of the various write-ups that appeared in the media about the PAS government and being my first trip to the state.

I was really surprised from what I saw and heard, and I must admit that all my earlier reservations about the political conditions in Kelantan just evaporated and I enjoyed my stay immensely.

On the first night when I checked into the hotel, I had a severe migraine and decided to visit a GP located near the hotel. An Indian doctor attended to me and as there were no patients that evening we sat and chatted about the happenings in Kelantan. I asked him whether he was keen to open up a practice in KL and his answer was - there was no necessity as he was having a comfortable practice in KB.

I went sightseeing on my own and I could even see Buddhist temples existing side by side with mosques. Bah Kut The was available, although only found in predominantly Chinese areas (the same as in KL). Chinese education is being subsidised and as has been acknowledged even by MCA early this year in the local press.

My perception of Kelantan has definitely taken a 180-degree turn. One must visit the two states to find out whether to believe what has been reported in the press about PAS in Kelantan and Terengganu.

The next holiday you take, visit Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu and you will be as surprised as I was.