I refer to the statement issued by the president and deputy president of the Parti Rakyat Keadilan (Keadilan). I think it is very irresponsible for Keadilan to declare that the Islamic state memo issued by PAS does not involve Keadilan or the Barisan Alternatif coalition.

How can it be so? Keadilan is a member of BA together with PAS. The number of seats, be it for parliament or state assemblies, will be predetermined before the elections. Looking at previous arrangement, it is fair to assume that PAS will still contest more seats than Keadilan, thus making it the dominant partner and have more weight in shaping the front's policy.

What if the people's support for BA, their support for "new politics", their support for Anwar Ibrahim and Wan Azizah Wan Ismail or Keadilan, propel PAS to power? What will happen then? Will PAS (with more members of parliament) make way for Keadilan (or even Anwar) should BA come to form the government? Or would PAS try to push forward in implementing the so-called 'blueprint' for Islamic state? What will Keadilan do then? Will it only then break ties with PAS?

I do not call for breaking of ties with PAS at this juncture. But it is grossly wrong to expect the people to swallow Keadilan's words that the document has nothing to do with it, when the party issuing it is its partner. It is all right, in the spirit of 'true democracy', to defend PAS' right to adhere to its long-term goals. But how can you say you are not involved whereas you do have a political pact with it?

Keadilan should take a clear stand on the Islamic state issue. PRM's published document on this issue can be used as the basis towards forming Keadilan's stand. PAS on the other hand should learn about coalition politics and not charge forward in this matter with no regard whatsoever concerning its impact on its "partner".

We (BA) are not interested only in the east coast and Malay belt states. BA should prepare itself to be the alternative national government. But if PAS' attitude is such, then BA still has a long way to go before it can call itself a government-in-waiting or even a better alternative to the current set-up.