The call by some Umno delegates for the government to use the Internal Security Act (ISA) against PAS is both irresponsible and ignorant.

Using forceful means to tackle PAS' heady mix of politics and religious conservatism will not solve anything. Such actions would only drive these groups underground and provide them with the justification and conviction to employ violence for their own ends.

Does Umno think it can cower PAS with talk of jihad and "shedding blood and sacrificing ourselves in the battle?"

Does Umno seriously believe it can win a violent confrontation against the fanatics in PAS, who - unlike the wealthy Umno delegates - have nothing to lose but everything to gain?

Does Umno want to make martyrs out of these people?

Do we need any of this?

Have we forgotten Algeria?