Opposition party PAS, launching its long-awaited document on the Islamic state proposal today, has pledged genuine democracy in place of current "tyranny", in tandem with implementation of its principles.

Addressing the main concerns of non-Muslims over introduction of the Islamic form of governance, party president Abdul Hadi Awang ruled out the idea that the clergy would be supreme in an Islamic state.

He said the practice of Syura or consultation would be maintained in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara in Parliament, because PAS is determined to ensure consultation between the nation's leaders and its elected representatives in discharging legislative duties.

"Theocracy has never been part and parcel of the Islamic political system since time immemorial. Anyone with even a rudimentary understanding of Islamic history would testify to that," he said during the launch at the party headquarters in Taman Melewar in Gombak this morning.

Also present were party information chief Dr Haron Din and vice president Dr Hasan Ali.

Abdul Hadi said the rights currently enjoyed by non-Muslims - as provided under the Federal Constitution and in the United Nations declaration of human rights - would be fully secured.

"The document also emphasises the involvement of the non-Muslim community in all areas of administration - the executive, legislative and judiciary," he said.

"Our commitment to political co-operation with our allies in the Alternative Front... (shows) that we welcome everyone's involvement irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, culture and gender."

Earlier today Keadilan leaders had expressed concern that the move by PAS to launch its Islamic state proposal document could jeopardise BA's overall appeal to voters.

"We are of the opinion that the usage of the term Islamic state continues to raise misunderstanding and unnecessary fears among certain sections of society, especially among non-Muslims," said Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali.

Provisions for democracy

Abdul Hadi said the establishment of an Islamic state would "end all tyranny" caused by draconian laws like the Internal Security Act, Official Secrets Act and Universities and University Colleges Act.

There will be more room for genuine democracy, he said, pointing to related provisions in the document. These state that the Islamic state would:

  • retain the Federal Constitution, but with appropriate amendments as and when deemed necessary;

  • maintain the dual legal and judicial systems;

  • end discrimination based on the basis of religion, race and gender, and award opportunities and entitlements on the basis of meritocracy;

  • uphold the right to education and mother tongue education; and

  • ensure the rights of women to education and job opportunities.

    • Abdul Hadi said he hoped the 53-page document would ease fears among non-Muslims that they could be stripped of their rights under an Islamic administration.

    This allegation has made through the state-controlled broadcast and print media, prompting the party to complain that it has become the target of an orchestrated 'hate campaign'.

    However, Abdul Hadi cited the experience of non-Muslims living in the PAS-led states of Kelantan and Terengganu who are free to pursue to their religious, cultural and commercial activities.

    Abdul Hadi also pledged that the document will be followed up with a more detailed discussion on implementation of its principles.

    "We are aware that this document will be inviting numerous comments and perhaps criticism. PAS is ready to engage in any discourse and forum so as to clarify the numerous questions (anticipated)," he said, adding that a special secretariat has been set up to manage this.

    The document is a result of extensive research by party leaders, and discussions with members, allies in the Alternative Front and non-Muslim groups.

    The idea was mooted two years ago when former party chief, the late Fadzil Noor, took on the challenge by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the Islamic party to come up with its version of an Islamic state.

    Mahathir later rubbished the idea, stating that Malaysia is already recognised internationally as an Islamic country.