I refer to your report 'Anwar' surrenders voluntarily over blog comment .

First of foremost, let me make my stand clear - I am neither related to Anwar and nor do I owe a him a favour. Similarly, I have no political affiliation nor do I have financial aspirations in blogging.

Given a choice, I'd rather have a secular government, but if I must choose an Islamic approach, I'd go for Islam Hadhari (until someone comes up with a more open and aspiring version), as it is by far the only Islamic approach compatible with my values and aspirations.

While I am not suggesting 'Anwar' is innocent, I don't consider what he has done criminal. His only fault is that he uttered the wrong words at the wrong time and worst of all, at the wrong place (where the owner would not have hesitated to reveal his identity).

Yes, he has insulted the very ideology of the prevailing administration, but he has since apologised. I see that those ugly words were uttered out of his spontaneous disagreement with the administration and caused no harm, other than damaging the reputation of Umno.

I have contacted 'Anwar' and he appeared to be traumatised by the threat to throw him in jail. He commented that, '... when I read the Bernama news that Lim Keng Yaik is asking Mimos to trace me, I was very scared and panicky.

'All sorts of fearful things were coming to my mind, things like the police coming to my house or workplace, taking me to the police station in handcuffs, hunting me like criminal and so on...' .

'Anwar' told me he has voluntarily provided Mimos with his personal details and apparently the media has mistaken the fact that he has been working with Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) for 30 years as his age he is actually 53.

'Anwar' currently works as a Medical Laboratory Technologist at the HUKM. He is the sole breadwinner for his family and he is blessed with three children. While the eldest is doing some odd jobs now, the other two are still in secondary school. His wife is a homemaker.

He is now extremely depressed, as he is only two years away from pensionable age and he wonders who will help to care for his family should the authorities jail him.

I believe the case should be categorised as a civil matter and if the authorities must take stern action - which I don't think is necessary - I'd suggest that they file a civil lawsuit to litigate for damages, and rather than pressing criminal charges against 'Anwar'.

Alternatively, the authorities can serve him a stern warning and perhaps issue a minimal fine. This will then serve as a precedent to the whole country that freedom of speech is not freedom to slander, insult or intimidate others.

Most importantly, 'Anwar' regrets his offensive comment, which was a result of spontaneous irrationality and he has apologised. Surely the great Islam Hadhari must have some room for forgiveness?

As a gesture of sincerity, he told me that to atone for his offensive remark, he is willing to give generously to charities as well as to serve the unfortunate and needy on a voluntary basis. He said he will also be more than happy help the administration to spread the message that freedom of speech is not to be abused for unproductive purposes and negative causes.

In line with the spirit of Ramadan, would the administration please therefore consider his plight, family, future and have some mercy on him?

Once again, on behalf of 'Anwar' and his family, I'd like to appeal to the Pak Lah administration - and I am sure many of my fellow Malaysians would also sympathise with his predicament - with my utmost sincerity, to please give poor 'Anwar' a break.

Finally, as a fan of Islam Hadhari myself, I have forgiven 'Anwar'. People say the passage to heaven begins with one step, and as a respected statesman, I am sure Pak Lah must have accumulated quite a number of steps.

How about another step to your credit?