The establishment of an Islamic state will result "in only a few amendments to the Federal Constitution", said PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

At a press conference following the launch of the party's Islamic state document this morning, he said revisions would be necessary to enable the repeal of certain federal laws as well as to ensure appropriate powers of enforcement of Syariah laws.

Asked to elaborate on where changes are likely to be made, he said these would relate to religion, administration and legislation now considered to be oppressive.

One proposed amendment would be over the interpretation of 'Islam' in the constitution, to bring out the "real meaning" of the term.

"The time has come for us to correct the interpretation to put the religion into a proper context accordance to our practice and belief as stated in the Quran and Sunnah (Traditions of Prophet Muhammad)," he said.

Also at the press conference were vice president Dr Hassan Ali, information chief Dr Harun Din and secretary general Nasharuddin Mat Isa.

Syariah laws

Abdul Hadi said there would further be a need to streamline the powers of state governments in handling religious affairs including the implementation and enforcement of Syariah laws.

"While the state has the liberty to deal with all issues relating to religion, this power is (currently) rendered meaningless because of restrictions in the Federal Constitution," he explained.

Alongside this, he said, states would be allowed to implement the legal system of their choice, whether secular or Islamic.

"This system will allow a Muslim-majority state to enact and enforce Syariah laws if they elect to do so. Meanwhile, the non-Muslim majority state will be free to implement a secular system."

While agreeing that a dual legal and judicial system would be created in the process, he also said

this is already in practice as the nation has both civil and Syariah laws in place.

"The only difference we want to make is to give the correct and appropriate empowerment to states, so that they can enforce Syariah laws via a democractic process," he said.

Bumiputera rights

Asked if PAS would do away with affirmative action policies under its proposed Islamic state, Abdul Hadi said constitutional provisions on the special rights and privileges of bumiputeras would be retained until they achieve a suitable economic status.

"We intend to distribute the nation's economic wealth fairly and to those who deserve it. The reality is that majority of those in poverty are bumiputeras. So naturally, our focus would for now be on them , " he said.

"However, we admit that the quota system has to be only a temporary measure. We will help those in need until they become independent. If in the future the Chinese or the Indians require the same economic assistance, we must not hesitate to provide it."

Abdul Hadi further said he did not believe the launching of the Islamic state document would mar PAS' relationship with its allies in the Alternative Front.

"We have discussed the matter with our friends. Our political co-operation is to enable us to face the general election, but we will respect each other's policies and principles," he said.

'Benefits for PAS'

Hassan, meanwhile, said he was confident that PAS would retain Terengganu and Kelantan - which it now leads - and that it would win more seats in Kedah, Perlis and Selangor.

He dismissed talk that the change of leadership in Umno - now led by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi - will affect PAS' performance in the general election, due by November next year.

"His leadership will not cause any harm. This is because we know he will continue with current policies, which are full of corrupt practices and abuse of power. In fact...we believe that his leadership will only benefit us," said Hassan.

He also questioned Abdullah's pledge to fight corruption, since the Home Ministry - under his stewardship since 1999 - has recorded the highest number of cases of corruption among government agencies.

"If he cannot overcome the problem in his own ministry, what makes you think that he can fight it at national level?" he asked.