The long awaited PAS Islamic state memo is out . But unfortunately it cannot be called a blueprint as all since details are sadly missing. While the nice general descriptions in the memo may cause some to feel good, others may find that they still do not know what the Islamic State is all about. The example of 'Islamic states' that have been seen is not encouraging either.

These include Hassan Turabi's Sudan - about 1.5 million people have died in the war post Islamic state declaration; and Mullah Omar's Afghanistan - needless to comment further; and Ayatollah Khomeini's Iran - popular movement to overthrow the clergy rule is hampered by the state constitution.

The question is, how is the PAS' Islamic State different from the models seen? Further questions that begs answers are:

There is a mention of constitution change - what is this change? It is certainly a concern to everyone when the constitution is going to be amended.

What is the economic and development plan? Perhaps this is not important as it deals with worldly affairs? Is the Islamic state all about punishment and not about welfare?

Would Muslims have the freedom to express themselves or will they be charged under the apostasy laws and executed? We see that even now Muslims are branded as apostates for not subscribing to PAS ideology.

How will rapists be charged in court? Hadi has declared DNA technique unacceptable. Will four Muslim witnesses of good character still be required? The impossibility of charging rapists in court will be an injustice to all women.

How about other hudud laws concerning theft and robberies involving Muslims and non-Muslims - are non-Muslims allowed to be witnesses against Muslims? Will modern forensic evidence be allowed now that the DNA technique is declared unacceptable?

The list can go on and on. The fear is that PAS leaders are frozen in history unable to do the ijtihad (innovation) that is needed to lead the country in this modern world. I believe the memo does not resolve doubts but rather creates more. PAS has the duty to truthfully explain this.