I agree with the letter PAS bogeyman vital for BN by PT Tan in which the writer says that PAS is indeed being used as a "scare tactic". However, the writer must be naive to believe that there is a shred of truth in any of the anti-Islamic propaganda. Islamic parties do not "destroy the democratic process".

It has always been the contention of many that Islamic parties when elected will "burn the bridges" that helped get them elected so no other party will have a similar opportunity to create a government. If this were to be true, why are the elections in Iran (which is a theocracy), one of the best attended in the world with around 80% participation. Compare this to Egypt (23% voted in the election) and worst of all, Singapore, where the government has made voting "compulsory" otherwise turnout would be embarrassingly low.

Iran is a classic example where Islam does not destroy the democratic process but defines, purifies and provides an exemplary model for Islamic politics. Iran is the most democratic nation in the Middle East, more democratic than the western puppet governments of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Also, Iran is more democratic than Israel which denies many Arabs voting rights.

Tan claims that PAS scares "constitution abiding" citizens. Which parts of the constitution is the writer referring to? Do they include the right to freedom of speech, right to assembly, freedom of religion, innocent until proven guilty, right to remain silent, right to legal counsel and representation, the right to freedom from arbitrary arrests and detentions, the right to demand to be tried or released, the right to protection from police abuse and brutality etc?

Obviously when the "constitution abiding" Malaysians chose their government, the "constitution" was the last thing on their minds. Rather, they voted based on ignorance, Islamophobia, racial myopia and bigotry which makes the our elections no better that the farcical elections in Iraq which encourages voting along ethnic lines.