I entirely agree with the call by Arbibi Ashoy ( The people have spoken, now opposition must unite 13 ) for the opposition to participate in the next general election "as a single coalition with a united manifesto."

Alas, the same deal-breaker since the reformasi movement which began in the late 90s continues to exist at the heart of the broad opposition alliance - and this is the irremovable central plank of PAS: the Islamic state. No non-Muslim Malaysian would ever abide by or live with that and, I suggest, neither would very many Muslim Malaysians.

In many respects, it is that one intractable issue that has kept BN in power with such a majority since the late 90s and will continue - despite its appalling rule - to do so for the foreseeable future. BN can always be rest assured that PAS will never (even if it wanted to) drop this very raison d'tre of its existence.

Ergo, there shall never be a united opposition as a single coalition with a united manifesto. Unless the remaining elements of the opposition alliance (especially PKR and DAP) finds the courage, spine and integrity to go it alone without PAS, dropping the Islamic state whimsy and form a truly multiracial and multireligious opposition front or party.

Alas, once again, BN, on this point too, can rest assured that such courage will not be found.