DAP chairman Lim Kit Siang's presence at the Keadilan annual general assembly in Kemaman, Terengganu, today made him the 'star attraction' among reporters.

Lim was asked numerous questions on his 'surprise' appearance at the AGM, to which the veteran politician said: "We're responding to the invitation by Keadilan to attend the conference."

Lim took time to explain that DAP's pull-out from the opposition Barisan Alternatif coalition was only due to the failure to achieve an understanding with PAS over the Islamic state issue.

"Even though, we're now no more in the BA, we're prepared and will continue to cooperate with coalition partners partly on the principles for which we came together in 1999 - on the issues of justice, democracy and good governance," Lim said.

The DAP pulled out from the BA on Sept 22 after it failed to reach a consensus with PAS on the Islamic state issue.

DAP believed that its association with PAS in the coalition has eroded non-Muslims support for party as PAS consistently brought up their intention to establish an Islamic state when they come to power.

Continuing cooperation

According to Lim, DAP is prepared to continue to cooperate with BA on issues of common interests, adding that the party is also willing to work with the ruling Barisan Nasional on such issues.

When asked if DAP will join forces with the BA in the next election, Lim acknowledged that there was a lot of expectation to have a united opposition to take on the BN.

Even Keadilan Youth chief, Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor has expressed his hope that DAP will return to the opposition front in preparing of the next general elections.

"But there is certain reality you have to face," Lim said, adding that there are new developments in the Malaysian politics in the aftermath of the Sept 11 terror attacks and the major development on Sept 29 where Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that Malaysia is already an Islamic state.

"These are the issues developing very fast that need to be addressed because if you're not careful, in the next elections, Malaysians will believe that what's facing them is the choice between the Islamic state of Umno and the Islamic state of PAS," he said.

He added that if that is what the Malaysian people are going to think, it will be "a sad day for democracy".