Barisan Alternatif (BA) members and representatives of non-governmental organisations will meet on Saturday, as part of on-going efforts to obtain feedback on the drafting of its common manifesto.

The discussion will follow up on the inaugural BA convention held on Sept 28, PAS vice-president Dr Hasan Ali told a press conference at Parliament House this afternoon.

At the convention, 13 recommendations on social issues, economics and politics were adopted by 1,500 delegates. They called for an "end to BN's racial and oligarchy politics" and for this to be replaced by BA's "new politics".

"During the BA convention, we discussed macro issues. On Saturday, we will focus on micro topics and hold in-depth discussions for ideas on achieving our goals," Hasan said.

The 'discussion on alternative policies', as it is being dubbed, will be held at Keadilan's headquarters in Shah Alam. About 120 people are expected to attend.

Thirteen working papers touching on politics, economic and social issues will be presented. Apart from BA leaders, other speakers will include political analysts Francis Loh and Dr Amriah Buang, and rights activists Cynthia Gabriel and Dr Kua Kia Soong.

The four papers on economic issues will be on industrialisation, globalisation, impact of corporatisation of government agencies and the future of agriculture in rural areas.

In politics, the discussion will review the election system, distribution of power, federalism and participation of women in politics.

There will be five papers on social issues - safety of society, sustainable environment, people's welfare, social unity, education and healthcare.

'Alternative' policies?

Responding to questions, Hasan said BA does not see any "problem or obstacle" in drafting the common manifesto and it is confident that the document will be well received by voters.

"It's just the matter of timing (the release)...it could be six months or one week before the election. We can only say it will definitely be out before the election," he said.

Various quarters, especially non-Muslims, have been anxious as to whether the manifesto will include mention of PAS' intention to establish an Islamic state. However, the party has already indicated that this point will be placed in a separate manifesto for its state-level campaign.

Asked how the 'alternative' policies will differ from those of the BN, Hasan said BA will adopt a different direction and orientation in drafting these.

The question came in the wake of criticism last month that BA's 2004 shadow budget was similar to that of the government.

On BA's relation with DAP, Hasan said the coalition has not discussed this but added that the party will remain an ally.

BA launched its first joint manifesto 'Towards a Just Malaysia' on Oct 24, 1999. At the time, it comprised four parties - PAS, Keadilan, DAP and PRM.

However, DAP withdrew in September 2001 after disagreeing over PAS' aim to establish an Islamic state should it come into power. Keadilan and PRM recently merged to form Parti Keadilan Rakyat.