I do not agree with the ruling that employers must employ maids who are of the same religion as they are. Terry Bogard had said that the reality of inter-religious abuse was too glaring, citing personal experience with neighbours. How does Terry know if the two neighbours who mistreated their maids by forcing o­n tasks against their religion, were in the majority rather than being o­ne-off cases?

According to Ivy Josiah of Women's Aid Organisation, most of the abuse cases handled by her organisation were a result of maids not performing to the satisfaction of employers (they may be overworked, handling too many tasks, poorly trained, or stressed out). Religious abuse were proportionately fewer among the many cases handled by her organisation.

In the case of maids running away, most plot to do so even prior to arriving in Malaysia, in order to settle down here. Some were even assisted by their agents. The image of normal employers and diligent maids were spoilt by these few.

Perhaps maids should be allowed to decide if they want to be employed by Muslim or non-Muslim employers. At least then they have an option to exercise, should they later o­n decide to change employers o­n the basis of religion.