It is most disheartening to hear PAS' stand every now and then on some very fundamental issues which are worrying to many Malaysians of all races.

The new ruling as reported in Terengganu to ban bikinis in new dress code for tourists and a new provision for hotels to provide separate swimming pools for the sexes will not only draw much criticism but PAS is also shooting itself in its foot again. The other parties are surely going to ride on this ruling and subsequently gain at PAS' expense.

In making such rulings, PAS will only alienate itself from the increasingly 'educated' masses. Thus, it will lose out on the competitive edge as globalisation picks up steam.

PAS must understand that it cannot feed its voters on a dosage of religious philosophy alone. It must be accompanied with economic progress and social well-being. Otherwise over time, PAS will only lose out.

I think what is even more important is to instill values and principles in the people so that they can continue to progress and benefit from the economic order of a changing world and yet uphold high ethics and virtues in their respective communities. This, then, is the real challenge to PAS leaders.

PAS must not remain obsessed with matters of the 'flesh' as it is an insult to the intellect and emotional strengths of the public.

I hope my letter serves as a wake-up call to PAS.