Kuala Lampur, July 22 -- JULY 22 - Every political movement is entitled to seek power in a parliamentary democracy. Elections exist precisely so parties can persuade voters to entrust them with governing the nation.

The issue, however, is not whether a party seeks power. The issue is the language through which that pursuit is justified.

For years, PAS under the leadership of Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has consistently advanced the theme of "Muslim unity." Unity, in itself, is a noble Islamic ideal. The Qur'an encourages believers to avoid division.

Yet when unity is framed primarily through electoral cooperation among political parties, rather than through broader social, educational and humanitarian endeavours, it raises an important qu...