The economic policies pursued by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is also the finance minister, are unsustainable over the long term, said an opposition leader today.

"I find that the BN (Barisan Nasional) has been desperate to pump prime the economy via debt financing. This would mean that any future government would inherit a tremendous debt burden," said PAS secretary-general Nasharuddin Mat Isa in malaysiakini 's online question-and-answer forum.

Nasharuddin said that the country's fiscal deficit will be breaching six percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), which is above the international best practice benchmark.

"The consequences of which policy options will be limited. For example, BA (Barisan Alternatif) is desirous to introduce a low-tax regime in Malaysia. However, debt servicing and payment burden will hinder our effort towards a low-tax regime."

Seven questions answered

Nasharuddin was answering a question from a reader who wanted to know about the Muslim-based party's economic policies.

Malaysiakini

has received a tremendous response to the Q&A forum, where the news website intends to provide an opportunity for readers to pose questions to secretary-generals of major political parties in the run-up to the next general election.

Since Nasharuddin kicked off the online forum two weeks ago, the website has received over 100 questions from readers.

In this first batch of answers, the PAS leader - who is also a member of parliament for Yan in Kedah - answered seven questions but he said he would continue to answer more in the coming weeks despite his heavy schedule.

Leadership of the 'ulama'

In answering another question, Nasharuddin said that 60 percent of those applying to join the party are professionals.

Nevertheless, he said the 'ulama' (religious scholars) will continue to play a major role in leading the party

However, Nasharuddin stressed that the party constitution does not restrict the party's leadership to the 'ulama'.

"Whilst the 'ulama' has brought success to the party in the case of Kelantan and Terengganu, many members of the party's higher echelon are professionals and academics."

He also added that the party supported policies on culture and arts which encourage self-development.

"Arts and culture should educate the public about self-improvement, and not to feed them with folklore and superstition. Entertainment industry and cultural activities must be sensitive, with regards to religious decrees, belief and morality, in line with the Eastern values which has become the identity of the Malaysian society," he added.

Nasharuddin also said that PAS not only wants to maintain the country's parliamentary system, but is also committed to further strengthen the institution.

"We have continuously called for the proceedings in the parliament to be broadcast live throughout Malaysia but until now the calls have never been entertained by the ruling party."

He said that PAS is also committed to affirmative action for the poor. This differs from its key rival, Umno, which has a racially-based affirmative action policy.

"We have also translated this stand into practice in Terengganu where we do not discriminate based on race and creed."

Nasharuddin, 41 - considered a rising star in the Islamic party - is one of the country's youngest political party secretary-generals.

Read Nasharuddin Mat Isa's the Q&A here .