'The very fact that Karpal had the courage to bring up this sensitive issue showed PKR, DAP and PAS have come of age.'

Karpal: Pakatan must discuss Islamic state issue

Myrights: I can't say much about the PAS' version of Islamic state, but it appears to be very prohibitive and will affect non-Muslims. So, Karpal Singh is right.

The Islamic state issue needs to be immediately resolved and Pakatan Rakyat has to ensure that it is not going to be implemented. Remember GE12? DAP lost big in that election because of their partnership with PAS due to the people's fear of Talibanism in Malaysia.

Karpal has been consistent about this Islamic state issue, and he has my utmost respect for this. I want to hear LGE (Lim Guan Eng) and LKS (Lim Kit Siang) say something about this too. They have been deafeningly quiet. Remember - it's not just about freedom of religion, but non-Muslims also want to have the "freedom to live in a non-Islamic way of life".

In fact, I am sure that there are some Muslims who would also prefer to live their own lives without being forced to live by the Islamic standards. These basic human rights must be protected in Malaysia.

WandererAUS: The very fact that Karpal had the courage to bring up this sensitive issue showed PKR, DAP and PAS have come of age.

He earned the respect and was given a standing ovation from PAS members. This spoke volumes of Pakatan's desire to compromise and live together like true Malaysians. This will augur well for the future generations, especially in respecting each other' beliefs and race.

Anonymous: Many Malaysian Muslims don't want to have an Islamic state but refuse to speak out openly because of the so-called 'taboo' created by Umno, for fear being accused of 'kafir'. In actual fact, most of them prefer to practise their faith on 'what I think is fit' basis but couldn't do it as the practice of Islamic religion is very much institutionalised.

If the Pakatan delegates' well-receptive response is of any yardstick, then what I mentioned earlier should be quite true.

Anonymous2: Sensitivity should not be the taboo for not discussing certain issues related to Islam. Such taboo is the creation of Umno and its ‘machai' in BN, to create fear and racial tension.

Karpal showed us a good example in bringing up the subject of Islamic state, and the receptiveness of his speech showed the maturity of Pakatan delegates, the Malay members in particular. This indeed is an important mileage to create true 'trust and confidence' amongst Pakatan parties.

Albert: I totally agree with Karpal that the Islamic state issue has to be discussed and settled quickly before the next GE. Even though the learned Muslims know that the Islamic laws are only applicable to Muslims, we cannot be too sure about the many young, ignorant and often emotional Muslims.

What happen if there are differences in views and priorities, especially those practises that are forbidden by Islam, e.g. beer, concert and many more? Are the minority non-Muslims going to be subjected to the views of the majority Muslims?

The Umno-led BN will continue to use this to frighten the rakyat (especially the Chinese and Indians, etc) from voting Pakatan and win in the forthcoming GE.

Anonymous3: Karpal, I feel sorry for you. Whilst you are principled and bold enough to raise the issue, Lim Guan Eng invited a Muslim to ‘baca doa' at the DAP AGM. What happened to secularism advanced by DAP?

Lesungbatu: What's wrong with ‘baca doa'? It showed that DAP was not a racist. In fact, DAP should be highly commended for taking the first step of respecting Islam as the official religion in the constitution.

Armour Man: At a missionary school many years ago, pupils of all religions recited a common ‘doa' everyday. We held out our hands in the manner that is the norm of our religion and we used the universal name 'Tuhan'. These days, non-Muslims want to use the word 'Allah'. So why the objection to the ‘doa' recital?

Good values and good governance are universal values, whether you call the country an Islamic state or not. Everything else are details to be worked on.

Loyal Malaysian: Yes, I do agree with Karpal! The Islamic state issue must be put to rest before GE13.

PAS by itself through its own MPs cannot proclaim an Islamic state (unlike the Umnoputras who had already done so). But it being an emotive issue for both the Muslims and non-Muslims, Pakatan must come to an agreed position, acceptable to both PAS and DAP in particular.

Mat Bond: Karpal must get over the phobia of Malaysia being an Islamic state. All races still have the freedom to pick their religion irrespective whether Malaysia is an Islamic or non-Islamic state.

If Umno politicises this issue, ask Umno to make their stand whether they as Muslims openly reject an Islamic state. Karpal should list out his concerns and PAS should be able to address those issues.

Proarte: Mat Bond said: "All races still have the freedom to pick their religion irrespective whether Malaysia is an Islamic or non-Islamic."

This is the problem with Malay Islam, it has made its adherents blind to reality and truth. What is the position of Lina Joy? She is still legally recognised as a Muslim despite making a statutory declaration stating that she professes the Christian faith. She took the authorities to court who denied her her constitutional right to freedom of worship.

Can you honestly say that Malays have freedom of worship in Malaysia? What happened to Ayah Pin's commune? It was reduced to rubble and his followers threatened with parangs and Molotov cocktails by Malay Muslims with the help of state government officials.

ONG: Pakatan Malays, including those from PAS were "very receptive towards Karpal's speech, clapping enthusiastically at his jokes and capping his speech with a standing ovation."

When an MCA leader made a similar speech, Umno organised a mob to demonstrate outside his house, and Hishammuddin Hussein intimated that his keris was getting restless and itching for some action. What a big difference.

Indian: Singh is King. I saw Karpal Singh seated in his wheelchair at the corridors of the convention centre in Kepala Batas when all other top leaders were in the VIP room for their coffee break.

He had to forego his coffee break - you know why? Because droves of people were lining up to have their photographs taken with the ‘king'. Makciks and pakciks, Chinese and Indians, you name it, were all there.

Karpal is a real man of principles. We Malaysians should be really thankful that we have him with us. May God bless him and his family. Long live the king.

The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paid subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now .