I am surprised that there have been a number of letters and articles chastising DAP for not formally campaigning in the Indera Kayangan by-election.

DAP's abstention is purely based on principle. How can it campaign overtly on behalf of Barisan Alternatif when it has recently pulled out of the coalition because of fundamental philosophical differences with PAS over their 'Islamic state' agenda, where the Syariah will be the supreme law of the land?

By campaigning, DAP would be sending a message that its reason to depart from BA was a trifling issue. The Islamic state issue is of monumental concern to DAP because of its far-reaching implications.

Unless PAS can convince the DAP that there will be no intention to change the constitution and its inherent social contract, DAP cannot and will not be part of the BA.

DAP is very keen for BA to win, as it will send a clear message to BN, that despite the events of Sept 11 which has worked to its advantage (largely due to PAS' support of the Taliban), the Malaysian public will not tolerate the systemic destruction of our democratic institutions by a corrupt and abusive government.

There is no doubt that if BA formally requests DAP to campaign in the by-election on issues of good governance, transparency, human rights and values pertinent to civilised democracy, it will do so with alacrity. The ball is in BA's court.