With reference to Tai Lo Chin's 'DAP-PAS liaison, a compounding of dilemmas' (Aug 28), a big section of Malaysians, particularly non-Muslims, fear the creation of an Islamic state because the information they have received on the matter is manipulated, distorted and propagated by Umno/Barisan Nasional government and its anti-Islam associates worldwide.

Even DAP, one of the components of BA, threatens to leave BA on the excuse that PAS will establish an Islamic state when it comes to power.

PAS cannot adopt a moderate approach to Islamisation for to do so will make it no different from its rival Umno. Are we to understand that corruption, cruelty and repression as rampantly practised by Umno/BN is a moderate approach to Islamisation? These are certainly un-Islamic practices and the BA is all out to fight them, with or without DAP.

Islam forbids any coercion towards a non-Muslim to embrace the religion.

The moves by PAS where it is in control, to make women wear headscarves, separate lanes for the two sexes in shopping complexes and ban the Genting casino should it come to power in Pahang, should not be interpreted as curbing freedom.

Look at the social ills in our community today. Some of the contributing factors are gambling and free mixing of men and women, what more with the latter exposing their attractive attributes.

These moves should be viewed positively, bringing more good than harm. Admittedly, some members of the community, including Muslims, will oppose such moves for reasons only known to them. The extent of such opposition is negligible compared with the current opposition to ISA, Printing Presses and Publications Act, etc.

Terengganu Mentri Besar Abdul Hadi Awang's statement that "historically, Islamic governments had ruled when the Muslim community was a minority..." is a reality. It should not be seen as serving to "heighten rather than lessen" the concerns about PAS' Islamic state concept. The fact that PAS has attracted many professionals, a higher percentage compared with Umno, is indicative enough that educated Malaysians do not necessarily see Hadi's statement as seen by Lim Kit Siang according to the author.

Let us look at the current situation positively and strive to achieve a win-win situation. The crux of BA's struggle is to fight tyranny, corruption, cruelty and repression and work towards a transparent and just governance. To realise this, BA must remain strong and intact. I therefore hope that DAP will continue to remain in BA.