Referring to Abu Mubarak's letter , it appears he's a little ticked off by non-Muslims questioning the rationale of Islamic rule in a country as diverse as Malaysia.

Why should our ministers, when visiting abroad, brag about how diverse our country is when we cannot accept a simple fact like apostasy? Has anyone even looked at what percentage these cases constitute?

All religions, including Islam, started off as a great religion in their own way with their knowledgeable and worthy leaders (or prophets).

In the early days of these religions, their leaders used forceful means to garner followers to keep the faith alive as they believed the non-believers were enemies of their kingdom and beliefs, since they were thought to be different.

However, in present times, cultures have crossed, the masses are more knowledgeable of their immediate and distant surroundings, and most religious leaders realise that they need not resort to the threatening methods adopted thousands of years ago by their predecessors.

A little background study into the history, cultures and lifestyles of those times would be of a great benefit to understand these threatening methods.

God, I believe, is one and the same (contrary to some religions and persons) and has put us here together to test our resolve as humans. Everyone's experience of God and religion is different and we cannot force it upon others to subscribe to a particular belief.

Even within certain religions, there are various sects or factions that differ in their interpretation of that religion. It's like science - there are differing opinions behind theories that have been in acceptance for a very long time.

Many people, even myself, have a religion but the question is whether we put our religion into practice. I mean, by doing what is needed to right the wrongs.

Do we practice our religion or is it just for statistical purposes? If we choose to differ in God's plans, then we must bear the consequences. Again, that is between us and God. Making it a public show does not make it religious.

It is an individual's choice what he or she chooses to profess in or not. I don't believe allowing conversions from one faith to another is going to be detrimental to our society and country.

I can live with the fact that Malaysia is an Islamic nation, I have no problem with the religion or any other. However, it's the religious leaders who appear to have a problem with the religion.

They inflict upon themselves such tremendous pressure that they resort to threatening means to keep the religion together. Just lighten up and you'll see a world of a difference.

In fact, demonstrating and putting into practice the virtues of Islam is what it takes to bring together and keep a following of the religion. Otherwise it's like Hitler in a different form and era.