I would like to refer to the letter Why are non-Muslims discussing Islamic laws by Coklat 2004. In his letter Coklat 2004 seem to be disgusted by the fact that, among others, apostasy is being openly discussed by non-Muslims.

I would like to emphasise here that apostasy laws in Islam are something which non-Muslims should be concerned about.

When non-Muslims discuss apostasy, they are also actually expressing their concerns about their own religion. For example, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHS) had once sent a letter to the National Registration Department (NRD) expressing their concern that Muslims are required to get permission from the Islamic religious authorities before converting to another religion.

What we want here is respect and tolerance. Non-Muslims respect the wishes of their fellow non-Muslims who wish to convert to Islam. Therefore Muslims too, should respect the wishes of their fellow Muslims who wish to convert to other religions.

Apostasy laws concern the basic human right to freedom of religion. Therefore, when this right is taken from someone, it is not surprising for others to be concerned. We are after all, humans and we do have mercy and compassion for each other.

For someone who criticises the expression of non-Muslims, I would expect Coklat 2004 to be more aware of the rights of other religions. However the writer disappoints us, as can be seen from his ignorance on the apostasy concerns of other religions.

The Roman Catholic Church for example describes apostasy and its punishment in the Code of Justinian I, title 7, De apostatis l. c. 60, 61.

Coklat 2004 also seems angry with the fact that the non-halal food issue is being discussed by non-Muslims. I am sure non-Muslims have no objections to Muslims wanting to eat halal food.

But do non-Muslims have the choice to eat non-halal food? Does Coklat 2004 know that there are non-Muslims who simply cannot eat meat which has been slaughtered according to Islamic rites because it contradicts their religion?

Coklat 2004 also mentions a French lecturer's sweeping generalisation that non-Muslims do not have specific prayer times. For someone living in a Catholic-majority country, I would say that the lecturer in question is ignorant of Catholicism.

According to the Catholic faith, a Christian would pray three times a day - at dawn, in the afternoon and at dusk. Hindus on the other hand pray twice a day, at dawn and dusk.

I would suggest Coklat 2004 check his or her facts first before lashing out at others whose opinions he or she does not value.