SPECIAL REPORT The PAS-led Kelantan government has won kudos for its handling of last week's concerts featuring Akademi Fantasia 3 winner Asmawi Ani or Mawi, organised in conjunction with the declaration of Kota Bharu as an Islamic City.

The two concerts attracted more than 150,000 people from around the country to experience PAS' version of Islamic entertainment, which also helped the party to shed its ultra-conservative image.

Never mind that PAS Kelantan has had to wait seven years to apply its Controlled Entertainment Enactment 1998 to showcase its brand of "alternative entertainment".

It helped that Mawi - who has a massive following among Malaysian teenagers - has openly stated his admiration for PAS spiritual adviser and Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's knowledge of Islam.

Popular singer, actor, song writer and producer M Nasir - who dubbed the concert a "new genre of Malaysian entertainment" - enjoyed joint billing with Mawi at Saturday's packed performance at the Stadium Sultan Mohamed IV, which featured gender-segregated seating.

Even the mainstream media - who had capitalised on dissent within the party following PAS' ulama chief Harun Taib's undisguised disapproval of the concert - gave fairly good reviews on the events.

But like it or not, PAS will be closely watched as to whether it will apply the same degree of openness to its management of Kelantan - its sole showpiece of political and administrative capability.

Eyebrows raised

In this respect, its move to turn the state capital into an Islamic City almost seems a contradiction now because of the connotations of a fundamental religious outlook and policies.

A London-based journalist at the celebrations disclosed her alarm over implementation of the concept.

"There is no need for the Kelantan government to do this when it is already known for its Islamic-centred policies. What will the state be like from now...more restricted?"

The journalist, who has been covering the Thai Muslim unrest, commented that the fear of Islamic fundamentalism is growing in Thailand, especially since the southern provinces are not too far from Kota Bharu. Indeed, some 130 southern Thais had recently fled to Kelantan.

Asked about this, Kelantan executive councillor and PAS vice-president Husam Musa (left)dismissed such fears and claimed that Islamic City status was designed to take the state forward.

"What are they afraid of? That we are going to be like the Taliban? If that is so, that would mean they do not understand Islam as a religion," said Husam in an interview after the concert.

He explained that the Islamic City tag will link the administration of Kota Bharu to the five Ks in the religion - the tenets of keilmuan, kesetiaan, kebersihan, kemakmuran and kebajikan (knowledge, loyalty, cleanliness, prosperity and welfare).

"When we say we want to be Islamic, we think of progressive and professional administration. We want to practise administration that is fair to all and free of corruption because that is what Islam seeks in any government."

"In the heyday of Islam, Muslims led in all aspects: economy, science, astrology and governance. That is what we are looking at achieving."

Husam denied that the Kelantan government is oppressive, as is often perceived by those outside the state.

"Not everybody wears the tudung (headscarf) and there is no compulsion for anyone to do so. The Chinese here are allowed to earn a living.

"Previously it was very difficult for non-Malays to own property in the state. But ever since we took over, we have simplified the procedure....we try to administer the state in that spirit (of Islam)."

Husam, who heads the state economic and welfare portfolio, said the fact that all eyes are now on the state government will make it a challenge for PAS to live up to new expectations.

"But we will work hard to ensure that we will succeed because we want Kota Bharu to be a role model for other towns in the state."

Implementing concept

Kelantan executive councillor for local government Takiyuddin Hassan said the Islamic city declaration would benefit ordinary people in the state because of potential improvements in their lifestyle.

"Let's take one of the most prevalent problems in Kelantan - that of maintaining cleanliness, which is very important in Islam. If we are not clean, we can't pray... that's how serious it is. So when our policy is based on the religion, we will have to implement it through education and laws.

"In Singapore, litterbugs are fined. From that perspective, Singapore is - to me - Islamic. It may be known as a 'fine city', but I think this is commendable. I have spoken to Tok Guru (Nik Aziz) about this (fining litterbugs) and he has told me to go ahead. We also want to improve other aspects like education, economy and welfare."

Takiyuddin said he would oversee the Kota Bharu Municipal Council to make sure that its social policies and enforcement reflect the true image of Islam.

"I'm aware that PAS and Kelantan are perceived to be against non-Muslims. This is not true. We have two non-Muslim councillors who help us to ensure that we are fair to everyone."

PAS Kelantan is hopeful that its upbeat stance on religious principles will revive its political fortunes, which had dwindled drastically in the state.

Husam said the people would appreciate the party's move to elevate Islam's image locally and globally by depicting the religion as a moderate one.

"This is one of the things which our political opponents don't understand. If they choose to view Islam as being rigid and oppressive, then that's their problem. We certainly don't," he added.