A struggle over the role of Islam intensified today ahead of March 21 elections, with opposition Islamic party PAS calling on Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to state his stand on Islamic law.

PAS rules two of country's 13 states and wants to turn this rapidly-developing multi-racial nation into a theocratic state complete with Taliban-style Shariah laws including amputation and stoning to death.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said in a statement that the premier constantly portrayed himself as a faithful Muslim by leading prayers in mosques as an "imam" but did not lead prayers during his mother's funeral.

"Abdullah has not reacted or voiced his opinion on the issue and this is not appropriate of a prime minister. PAS challenges the PM to make clear his real stand," he said, claiming strong support for Shariah among the majority Malays.

Muslim Malays make up some 60 percent of Malaysia's population of 25 million, which includes large ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities.

Asked about Abdul Hadi's statement at a news conference later, Abdullah said: "What is there to challenge? Since I became the prime minister I've spoken a lot on what I want to do.

"Whether they are Malays, Chinese or Indians I want this country to be peaceful, with equal rights for all races.

"No-one will be discriminated against. Malaysians know what I have said and on March 21 they have to decide if they want me to continue my leadership. There is no need to debate with PAS."

Abdul Hadi charged that Abdullah's silence indicated he was still under the shadow of his predecessor Mahathir Mohamad, who retired Oct 31 after 22 years in office.

Free Anwar

He said government moves last month to haul a cabinet minister and a prominent tycoon to court over corruption were cases of "selected prosecution" because no action had been taken over another 18 high-profile cases under investigation.

The conservative leader also slammed Abdullah for refusing to allow jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim to seek treatment overseas for a back injury, saying it showed he was not free to act because of Mahathir's influence.

Anwar was sacked in 1998 by Mahathir and subsequently jailed for 15 years for corruption and sodomy, charges he says were trumped up to prevent him from making a challenge to the then-premier.

"The people must make the right choice on March 21 by voting for the opposition parties to free the country of this leadership crisis because the change in the Barisan Nasional and Umno leadership did not bring about changes, transparency and justice," Abdul Hadi said.

Abdullah's UMNO is the linchpin of the multi-racial Barisan Nasional coalition, which has ruled Malaysia in one form or another since independence in 1957. - AFP