Here in Malaysian politics, we have PAS, whose ultimate aim is to form an Islamic state, and DAP, who demands for a secular state, being paired together as founding parties of the coalition, Pakatan Rakyat. In between this spectrum is where PKR stood. PKR, a multi-racial party, led by their flamboyant leader, Anwar Ibrahim, is touted to have successfully pull the strings in Pakatan Rakyat, by uniting the cat and the dog in within the coalition.
The buzzing question remains if the marriage would be a temporary one as a light snap of the string over issues surrounding ''Islamic state'' would bring an end to the 2 year old coalition. This was not helped when PAS president, Hadi Awang, dismissed the need for the registration and a common logo of Pakatan Rakyat, bringing fears that PAS is merely flirting with their coalition partners.
However, the common framework policy of Pakatan Rakyat had successfully brought together objectives and aims shared by the 3 parties and easily overwhelmed and swallowed the differences of the cat and the dog. Issues surrounding corruption, nepotism, cronyism, extortion, non-democracy, kangaroo courts, to name a few, are viewed as serious stumbling blocks, currently experienced by the BN government, for the progression and advancement of the country and these issues are all laid down in the framework.
Non-muslims who had traditionally feared PAS as a conservative and extreme party, had also gradually accepted the party. This was brought about by the existence of progressive leaders in PAS who repeatedly showed their liberal stance in major issues. Nik Aziz and Dr Dzul, to name a few, had backed East Malaysian Christians to use the word 'Allah'. Khalid Samad, had made rare visits to churches and temples to reassure non-muslims of their freedom of religion, besides, being furious of the call for ban of alcoholic drinks in Selangor by Hasan Ali. And not forgetting Nizar Jamaluddin, the former MB of Perak, who is very well-received by non-Muslims in Perak.
On the other hand with UMNO, we have Najib's aides calling for the removal of crucifixes and banning hymns and prayers prior to the visit of Najib to a church for a Christmas tea party. This was seen as massively paradoxical as to his illustrious 1 Malaysia theme, which was wielded barely a year ago.
Would you, as a fair-minded Malaysian, still fear PAS? or you are already intimidated by UMNO with their extreme acts.
