It is heartening to read your reports of the Parti Rakyat Malaysia congress. The discussion on the Islamic state as indicated by party president Dr Syed Husin Ali's speech is now better understood.

It is not entirely true that it is the media blackout of PRM, as indicated by Syed Husin, that has the public guessing on PRM's stand on important political issues. I think PRM's office bearers and spokespersons should develop a clear media agenda in order that important information could be adequately aired.

I believe that any Malaysian worth her/his salt would only read mainstream government-controlled press to see the government's take on the matter. Malaysians read free press in print and Internet to figure out opposition views.

PRM and all opposition parties have to be more transparent in their policies and rise to the occasion as and when a political situation requires an immediate response. We should not have to wait for the party's congress to hear them out.

Congratulations to Rustam Sani on the deputy president post. The collective leadership in PRM would benefit greatly from Rustam's astute analytical political skills. He is much respected by Malaysians.