I have read about PAS' Islamic state blueprint. Unfortunately I think it is nothing more than a political gimmick rather than a sincere alternative to the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government.

Firstly, having non-Muslims in the cabinet and keeping the prime minister post for a Muslim does not differ much from the current power-sharing mechanism between Muslims and non-Muslims. That is why I have said before that Umno is the only viable option.

Secondly, PAS cannot simply apply the hudud to Muslims only - despite their proclaimed intentions. Consider the charge of apostasy for example. It is - in the extreme case - an offence punishable by death under hudud. But to treat apostasy as a crime is already trampling on multi-religious harmony and the human right to choose one's religion.

I do not believe that justice can be served if we only apply hudud to Muslims - especially if the offence was committed by Muslims and non-Muslims together. But then again, will PAS' ulamas or the Muslim majority sit quietly ? I do not think so.

Ultimately Muslims must realise that Malaysia is not Medina in the seventh century. The Prophet (pbuh) and his companions did not share political power with the non-Muslims of Medina. In contrast, political power is shared with non-Muslims in Malaysia.

Consequently PAS should stop taking the political dimension of Medina out of context, and blindly impose it on Malaysia. The agenda for Muslim Malaysia has been adequately spelt out by Umno. PAS should not politicise religious issues to garner support.