MCA vice-president Dr Fong Chan Onn would be seen as being 'ignorant' and a 'coward' if he remains adamant about not participating in a public debate on the Islamic state document, said PAS secretary-general Nasharudin Mat Isa today.

He said the human resources minister's refusal proves that Barisan Nasional leader are only capable of making baseless charges.

"His refusal is characteristic of how BN leaders are only capable of making baseless accusations while hiding behind the shield of their media companies," said Nasharuddin in a press statement

Expressing disappointment with the response, the PAS leader reiterated his challenge and urged Fong to accept it in order for him to clear his doubts and frustrations about the document.

Media debate

On Tuesday, the MCA leader turned down the challenge, stating that the debate should be carried out via the media.

He stressed that he was not afraid but did not see any need for a public debate on the document which was unveiled last week.

Fong had stressed that his party will mobilise the Chinese community and all Malaysians to oppose the PAS Islamic state concept to "ensure that extremism is not allowed to rear its ugly head" in Malaysia.

Commenting on this, Nasharuddin claimed that the minister's statement is not only malicious but also borders on irresponsible instigation.

He called on Fong to accept his challenge so that the public does not assume that MCA and BN are insensitive and prejudiced towards Muslims and the true teachings of Islam.

On Fong's preference to debate via the media, the PAS leader said this would be lopsided as the mainstream media are aligned to the ruling party.

Contacted later, Fong said he still prefers to continue the debate through the media.

"Its not a question of being coward or not coward. The document is clear (that it violates fundamental rights).

"I will continue to debate with him in the press and he can reply via the press as well," he added.

'Propaganda' document

Meanwhile, Umno religious bureau member Nakhaie Ahmad said PAS must first clarify its Islamic state concept before inviting others to discuss or debate the issue.

"The 53-page document is not enough to clarify their policies in establishing an Islamic state. It is too vague, general and insufficient to be used as a guidance. So I advice them to clear these defects first...if they don't, I am afraid there is nothing for us to discuss," he said when contacted.

Dismissing the document as nothing more than 'propaganda', Nakhaie said PAS failed to provide a thorough explanation that could invoke healthy debates and discussions on the issue.

Citing the concept of parliamentary syura (consultative) as an example, he pointed out that the opposition party must clarify how it plans to implement the concept under an Islamic government.

"Is its concept different than the current parliament system? If its is, tell us in what way? How is the distribution of power? Where does the Malay and other races stand in the constitution? What happens to the Sultans? So all these must be answered," he said.

He added that while PAS may hoodwink rural people into accepting the document, it cannot do the same for intellectual Muslims.

"For the intellects the document is nothing. It has little educational value. In fact there are many other books available in the market which provide better guidance on issues relating to Islamic state," he said.

He also expressed doubt over PAS' sincerity to hold a debate on the issue as he suspected that the move was just a political gimmick to fish for more votes.

"I have little confident that the debate would sincerely discuss the issue or to seek the truth for that matter. They make the challenge (for a debate) to make themselves look like a champion," he said.

Nakhaie also observed that the launch of the document displayed a shift in PAS' method of presenting its struggle to the people.

"Their approach is better now. They have come out with a document to present to the people. Before this all they do is condemn their political opponents, calling them names and so on.

"So all they need to do is to discuss among themselves to complete the document. Once they have done so, only then can they call us to a discussion," he said.