" A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both." - Dwight D Eisenhower

INTERVIEW The following is the second of a two-part interview with former de facto law minister and ex-Parti Kita chief Zaid Ibrahim. The first part appeared yesterday.

Pakatan has positioned itself as a ‘moderate' voice of Islam. As a strategic move, do you think it would be better to remain silent or clearly state positions even though it may result in blowback from the extremist elements, namely the propaganda mouthpiece and politicians of Umno?

Whether Pakatan is a moderate voice, we have to wait and see. The test is not whether they allow non-Muslims sufficient freedom; that's easy, but whether they will be "moderate" to Muslims.

I always believe it's better to state the right positions clearly and unambiguously on core delicate issues even if it means we have to "lose" some support in the beginning. Politics is not just winning; but about doing the right thing. Long-term goals are equally important...