Several scholars, analysts and politicians quoted by major Malay dailies today criticised PAS' 10-point agenda for a welfare state outlined in the party's recently released book.

NONE Utusan Malaysia quotes political analyst Che Hamdan Che Mohd as saying that the proposal was very similar to what was already being carried out by the BN government.

"I see there are suggestions to provide free tuition for children from poor families in urban and rural areas, but this has already been done by (Prime Minister) Najib Abdul Razak," Che Hamdan says.

A Sinar Harian report quotes Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan as saying that PAS should first implement its agenda in Kelantan and Kedah, which are behind the other states.

"How can PAS say this (its 10-point agenda) when both the states it governs are no yet developed?" Ahmad is quoted as asking.

Berita Harian in its edition today presents a point by point rebuttal of the PAS' agenda.

It says that PAS' ‘caring, peaceful and united society' concept is similar to the 1Malaysia policy and its ‘sustainable, balanced and fair economy' is similar to the New Economic Model.

It adds that that the party's promise of quality healthcare is already a reality with 135 hospitals and 2,815 health clinics serving the people, on top of the 1Malaysia clinics.

The PAS book, titled Negara Berkebajikan: Tawaran PAS (Welfare State: PAS' offer) is authored by the party president Abdul Hadi Awang and was released last Sunday.