The opposition Barisan Alternative coalition vowed it would never accept Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's invitation to form a national unity government because it would mean compromising their political struggles and ideologies.

Opposition leaders also said they need not join the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition to "stand against foreign threats or contribute to the development of the country and its people" the reason used by Mahathir in extending the invitation.

According to them, there was nothing in BN that appeals to the opposition as the ruling government had been showing blatant disregard to democratic process and discourage civil liberties.

On Saturday, Mahathir invited all opposition parties to join BN stating that everyone should work together with the government which was facing threats from external enemies.

After opening the State BN convention in Balik Pulau, Penang, the premier told the media that the politicians should reduce their politicking and focus on developing Malaysia

Parti Islam Malaysia (PAS) secretary-general Nasharudin Mat Isa (photo, left) said that the opposition has been contributing to the nation's development through the proper democratic process and will continue doing so.

He said Mahathir's statement seemed to deny the contribution made by the opposition which play an important role as the "check and balance " to the ruling party.

"Just because we are in the opposition does not mean that we cannot contribute to the nation's development. Not only we provide the check and balance, we also protect the people from being shortchanged by the ruling party," he said when contacted today.

He added that the opposition also ensure that minority voices are heard which ensure equal treatment for all, regardless of race and religion.

No thought of crossing over

When asked if PAS would reconsider the invitation if BN is sincere about it, Nasharudin said based on the policies that have been implemented by the ruling government, the Islamic party will not consider crossing over.

He said policies such as the usage of English as the medium of instruction for Mathematics and Science in schools and the revocation of grant from Sekolah Agama Rakyat (people's religious schools) proved that PAS will not support the BN's struggles.

"Such education policies were unilaterally imposed despite protests from majority of the people. The decision to stop the grant to Sekolah Agama Rakyat will affect a lot of students and teachers who had barely survived on the meagre fund. It shows they are ruled by the narrow political mind set," said Nasharudin, who is also the Kedah's Yan MP.

He said joining BN has never been an issue to PAS, which is now preparing to take on BN in the coming general election due in 2004.

Nasharuddin added that Mahathir had probably made the offer after observing the recent global political development where oppressive ruling parties are democratically toppled by people who want a better government.

No room for democracy

Meanwhile, Keadilan secretary-general Sahri Bahri (photo, below left) told malaysiakini that joining BN would be a backward step for the Keadilan which promotes non-racial politics.

"How could we join a political party that promotes racialism and approves oppressive laws like the Internal Security Act (ISA)? They literally narrow the room for democracy."

"If we were to join them, we would have to compromise our principle. And that is the very thing that we will never do," he said.

As for standing against foreign threats, Sahri said the opposition would be the first in line to protect the country and the people.

"The opposition would protect the nation in the event that the country is threatened. We have been consistent in our goal to protect the people by exposing corrupt practices by the ruling government and the rakyat (citizens) can expect the same thing where there is foreign threats."

"How can the people expect to be protected from the BN when the ruling government had remain steadfast in maintaining oppressive laws and policies," he said.

As to the nation's development, Sahri echoed Nasharuddin's stand and stressed that the opposition are no less important than the role played by the ruling government.

Mere propaganda

Meanwhile, Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) president Dr Syed Husin Ali (photo, below left) said the call for opposition parties to join BN was rejected by the opposition because the offer was not only "insincere" but also mere propaganda which is best termed as " lawak murahan " (cheap joke).

It also is a desperate and selfish attempt by Mahathir to strengthen the dwindling support for the BN, especially from the Malays.

He said if Mahathir was sincere to form a strong coalition for the rakyat 's benefit, he would have extended the invitation to all parties, both registered and awaiting registration, non-governmental oganisations (NGOs) and respected individuals to discuss the matter seriously.

But the manner in which the offer was made showed that the BN chairman had no good intention when making the offer.

"Therefore there is no reason for the opposition to entertain him, least of all, to support him," he said in a statement.

Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today expressed disappointment that the opposition had decided to reject the offer.

He said that opposition parties should understand the reason behind Mahathir's offer and that they feel suspicious of the government's motive.