Thank you to Arbibi Ashoy for his comments.

I, however, would like to urge him to open up his mind to look at the issue with more maturity. His comments should not be shrouded with a sense of losing his religious identity.

We have had Islam as the main religion of this country for more than 500 years now. We have been independent for almost 50 years. To say that offering Muslims the freedom to choose your own religion would create chaos is utter nonsense.

Religious understanding and education are deeply entrenched in all Muslims and they know the path to righteousness. The framework in our society caters for these beliefs. Arbibi must repel these fears that he has about chaos and so on.

The issue at hand is that those who choose to renounce their religion - Islam that is - for reasons that they seem fit, be allowed to do so.

Islam must be projected as a caring religion, one that promotes fair play and creates a sense of balance. It is best to have Muslims who love their religion and portray it in an open and loving way.

This better than having those who are forced to continue to be Muslims but cannot be good Muslims and thereby betray the good name of the religion.