Credit should always be given where it is due, and in this case credit has to be given to the leaders of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) for their latest innovative and timely venture: The construction of the long-awaited 'Masjid Cina' at Mukim Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, Kelantan.

The mosque will be called the 'Masjid Jubli Perak Sultan Ismail Petra,' indeed its construction was launched in conjunction with the celebration of the silver jubilee of the ruler of the state.

Needless to say the name of the mosque which has little to do with the actual design of the mosque itself has more to do with the complex and often convoluted internal politics of the state of Kelantan itself.

PAS has not exactly enjoyed a cordial relationship with the fiercely independent ruler of Kelantan, who has, over the years, demonstrated his inclination to assert his own will

even at the expense of the state legislature (Dewan Undangan Negeri Kelantan).

However, the most interesting and important feature of the mosque is its design, which is modeled on the mosques of China: hence its nickname, the 'masjid Cina' of Kelantan.