Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), a member of Sarawak's ruling coalition, said today the Islamic state document unveiled by PAS runs counter to the country's constitution which clearly enunciates the principles of multi-racialism and multi-religious practices.

"If this Islamic state document is to become a political norm in the future it could lead to the creation of a theocratic government in Malaysia," PBDS president Daniel Tajem said after chairing his party's surpreme council meeting yesterday.

PBDS is the first party in Sarawak to voice its objection to malaysiakini against the PAS Islamic State document. Other national parties, including those from the BN and opposition, had all criticised the document.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said PAS is desperate to compete with Umno, which resulted in the party introducing its Islamic state blueprint.

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PBDS also welcomed the appointment of Abdullah as prime minister and noted his assurance that he would continue with the good policies under his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad and that he would also ensure the incorruptibility of government administration, greater transparency, good governance and fairness in implementation of government policies.

PBDS also supported the prime minister's proposal to set up an Institute of Public Ethics, saying this should be attended at both state and federal levels.

"The knowledge and practice of acceptable ethics and etiquettes are essential in this modern age when we have to work inter-dependently with not only our local people but international personalities."

Tajem said a well-grounded crop of leaders who understand and practise world-class values would put the country in good stead as it moves forward in the new millennium.