Barisan Alternatif's pledge to affirm Islam as a way of life should not be interpreted as a pledge to set up an Islamic state, leaders of two parties in the coalition said today.

Keadilan and PRM said in a joint statement that while the BA manifesto does proclaim to create an Islamic way of life among Muslims, it also pledges to guarantee the rights of non-Muslims to practise their respective religions and beliefs.

"It is plainly clear that this affirmation of Islam as a way of life ( ad-deen ) relates to Muslims alone and will not be imposed on non-Muslims.