MCA vice-president Dr Fong Chan On has been challenged to a public debate over the 'Islamic state' that opposition party PAS intends to implement, should it come to power.

PAS secretary-general Nasharuddin Mat Isa issued the challenge "in the spirit of choice, information and knowledge", suggesting that the debate be on the topic 'Islamic state concept proposed by PAS is driven by justice, not extremism'.

"I hope Dr Fong will rise to the challenge and debate the issues with me," he said in statement issued in response to the MCA leader's call to the Chinese community to reject the PAS proposal in order to "help ensure that extremism is not allowed to rear its ugly head".

Nasharuddin claimed that such a statement is not only malicious, but that it also borders on irresponsible instigation.

"Mobilising the Chinese community over an issue which is fundamental and dear to Muslims is fraught with risk, especially if the instigation is done in ignorance and with contempt....he may come dangerously close to tarnishing the image of Islam itself," Nasharuddin noted.

He also said his party had decided to be honest and transparent with explaining its concept of an Islamic state in the spirit of harmony and understanding cherished by Malaysians - even if the attempt invited controversy.

"Ultimately, Malaysians must be given the information and knowledge to allow them to make an informed political choice," he said.

'Proposal not extreme'

Nasharuddin said Fong and Barisan Nasional (BN) should be aware that PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang had made certain affirmations when unveiling the document on the Islamic state last Wednesday.

The party leader had guaranteed that there would not be discrimination based on religion, race and gender, and that citizens would have the right to mother-tongue education. Non-Muslims will not be subjected to Islamic criminal codes.

Abdul Hadi also said the status quo of the dual system of laws and judiciary would be maintained, and that each ethnic group is entitled to elect and be elected on merit to positions of responsibility in the executive, judiciary and legislature.

Nasharuddin said these affirmations reflect the over-arching principle of justice which is fundamental to the Islamic state concept proposed by PAS.

"The extent of PAS' sensitivity to the concern of non-Muslims is evident in the amendment to

Terengganu constitution to allow non-Muslim and women to be appointed by the Sultan to the state assembly," he said.

"If even with these affirmations, Dr Fong still alleges that a true Islamic state as proposed by PAS is a form of extremism, I shudder at the thought of what one would describe a state that has institutionalised racism, controls the judiciary, abuses police power, detains people without trial, denies free speech and leaves corruption unchecked."

He claimed that, in view of such "abuse of Islam by the Umno-BN regime", PAS has to protect the image of Islam by explaining the true definition and concept of an Islamic state.

"Instead of helping us with the true propagation of Islam, Umno and its BN allies have instead launched a malicious attack on PAS and the concept of Islam state," he added.