I am very sad to learn that Dr Syed Husin Ali has decided not to contest the March 21 general election. His recent announcement came in the aftermath of PAS' hostile reaction to his intention to contest the Kota Bharu seat in Kelantan.

Syed Husin has sacrificed much over the years speaking out against injustice and championing the rights of those who have been marginalised. That such a good, clean and decent man can be rejected by PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nit Mat merely on the grounds that he is a socialist is unjustifiable.

PAS' hostile reaction to Syed Husin is indicative of how little respect PAS has for its coalition partner Keadilan and its leaders. Kota Bharu is a Keadilan seat and it is Keadilan's business if they wish to field their deputy president there.

PAS' hostile response also speaks volumes for how little regard PAS has for pluralism and the low value that they place on those who do not see the world as they do.

PAS's ideological framework is sectarian, intolerant and uncompromising. Their ultimate vision of the future is a Malaysia in which everyone and every institution will have to conform to their narrow worldview. They promise us a cultural and political landscape that is bleak and barren.

Let not our desire to have more checks and balances, blind us from this harsh reality.