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Merdeka Celebration: Malaysians should reaffirm Tunku’s greatest contribution to the nation   Press Statement by Karpal Singh (Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday): I am somewhat perplexed at the statement by Deputy Information Minister, Datuk Zainudin Maidin, that the DAP’s criticism of PAS’ decision to impose a ban on liquor and social dances on non-Muslims in Terengganu is a farce. I cannot see any logic or common sense in the criticism. My criticism of the ban is based on legal and constitutional grounds which are obviously difficult for Zainudin to comprehend. To my mind, the response to my criticism by State Executive Councilor, Datuk Mustafa Ali, that PAS had the right to ban liquor and social dances at Primula Beach Resortand Permai Park Inn as these two hotels were state-owned is misconceived. The fact that these hotels are state-owned, does not give the State Government the right to impose bans which are unconstitutional. These hotels are accessible to the public who have a right not to be subjected to conditions which are, clearly, unconstitutional. It would be different if these places were private-owned without any access to the public.  The state government in Terengganu should realize it has to operate within the framework of the provisions of the Federal Constitution. Any directive it gives and legislation it enacts cannot contravene constitutional rights protected by the Constitution. Terengganu is a state in the Federation of Malaysia. It may be controlled by PAS but it cannot have the prerogative to ride roughshod on provision of the Federal Constitution which, by Article 4(1) thereof, is the supreme law of the land. PAS  should not defy that supremacy. It would be prudent for PAS to seek the advice of the State Legal Advisor before embarking upon public statements it cannot legally justify.   I would also advise Zainudin to think before talking. DAP has no secret pact with PAS, Full stop. The DAP left the opposition coalition nearly two years ago in the public interest in view of PAS’ avowed aim to turn Malaysia into an Islamic state in contravention of Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution which declares Malaysia to be a secular state with Islam as its official religion and freedom to practice other religions in peace and harmony in any part of the country. The DAP does not believe in secret pacts.   The DAP is prepared to negotiate with Parti Keadilan Nasional on seat allocation in the coming general elections. However, Keadilan leaders should forthwith cease and desist from criticizing the DAP and stop leaking information and commenting while the negotiations are still in progress. I would have thought this is axiomatic. Keadilan has to accept and fulfill these prerequisites before the DAP will resume negotiations. The DAP is prepared to go on its own in the coming general elections. However, in the public interest, and in the interest of the oppositions, it is prepared to negotiation with Keadilan which should not take the DAP for granted. Keadilan should not lose sight of the reality that the DAP is a force to be reckoned with. Its political struggle has been consistent and its record in and out of Parliament can withstand public scrutiny. It would be in the interest of Keadilan to co-operate with the DAP. It should not damage that interest with indiscreet and enotional outbursts. (12/8/2003) *  Karpal Singh, DAP National Deputy Chairman