Having read Prof P Ramasamy's article entitled 'PAS' Islamic state objective untenable' (July 19), I find that I must put into perspective some facts that I feel are very relevant to be made known to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, whatever their political inclination may be.

First and foremost, to say that an Islamic state as a political alternative for Malaysia is not tenable is already misunderstanding Islam and the concept of an Islamic state. To a Muslim, an Islamic state is not an alternative, but a requirement by The Supreme Being that he is subservient to and a servant of.

So his very struggle for the existence of an Islamic state is as commanded by Allah. Therefore there can be no compromise with anybody on the setting up of an Islamic state and a Muslim is only required to do everything in his ability and capacity and it will only happen by the will of Allah. Man will and can only plan but Allah will determine its success or failure.

Next, to say that "PAS has been able to reveal that it has effective leadership, morally upright leaders, leaders committed to resolve the problems of the masses, a party that has been able to withstand the temptations of corruption, and others", only further emphasises the point since PAS has always propagated the inculcation of the true Islamic values, principles and commands to its leaders and members and these are the results of it.

This therefore means that if PAS is successful in setting up an Islamic state, it goes without saying that the leaders and the rakyat should and would be God-fearing people and above corruption and greed. The writer might say that this is simplistic and nave, but that is what the Islamic struggle is all about. It is to produce God-fearing people who would follow Allah's every command.

What also needs to be put into perspective is that Islam as a religion, has been misunderstood for too long, due to the actions (and inactions) of the Muslim world itself and the propaganda of the Western world.

What is needed is the clear definition and explanation by not only PAS but by all Muslims, the true principles, values and commands of Islam, so that all apprehensions and misgivings about Islam and an Islamic state can be allayed (or at least reduced).

For example, it is always said that politics is very much a part of Islam, but not partisan politics. So an explanation is badly required so that Muslims and non-Muslims alike would understand the impact and implication on them if an 'Islamic political system' were to be implemented.

So PAS' notion "that acceptance of the Islamic state principle will be enhanced if Muslims and non-Muslims really understand what Islam is all about" is very relevant and very accurate.

What about other issues like, education, corporate governance, globalisation, equal opportunity, economy, race relations, and many, many more?

These and other relevant issues need to be addressed, explained, understood and accepted if PAS wants to set up an Islamic state here in Malaysia.