At last a voice of reason and words of sound advice from a Muslim.

Tan Sri Dato Mohd Sheriff Kassim's letter wins my vote for the letter of the year. It is easier for a Muslim to express the thoughts he has expressed for obvious reasons.

The suggestion that 'Malaysia can play a constructive role by advising these (Muslim) countries to reform now before it is too late' is a wise one. It will lead to world peace and a better life for many Muslims in troubled lands.

'Blessed are the peacemakers' is a sound biblical teaching we don't hear much of these days. Yet it inspired Mahatma Gandhi in his political quest for non-violence. Although a Hindu, his life and movement anchored on his favourite chapter of the New Testament, Matthew 5, on the Beatitudes.

We should also be reminded of the saying that: 'If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other'. Surely Muslims by now must be tired of the cycle of violence that plaque them. They must learn to disagree without violence and bloodshed, like PAS and Umno.

Sheriff's idea should be pursued by the government. More than any other country, Malaysia is well placed to play the mediator's role, the peacemaking role, the proverbial bridge-builder.

But rather than just confine its efforts to within the Islamic world, Malaysia should see herself playing a more pro-active role in the world and in the New World Order that the Americans talk about.

Believe me, it is not a world that Malaysians and Muslims will be uncomfortable in or should fear. In fact, it is our kind of world, a world of peace, freedom and prosperity.

Extremists falsely believe that military force is the answer. They have not learned from history. The saying 'There is no compulsion in religion' cannot be more explicit and easily understood. To defiantly use forceful methods, violence and terror is akin to abrogating this Koranic teaching Islam Hadhari is a reflection of the New World Order. It is good that Malaysia walk others down the peaceful road. But where are all the marchers for sincere and non-partisan peace when we need them?

Good leaders understand the times and know what to do. It is providential that Pak Lah is a man of peace, a man of conciliation and not confrontation. He proved it by mending fences with Australia and Singapore shortly after he took over the helm of the country.

Apart from a glitch in 1969 in the country's peaceful social and political landscape, Malaysia is used to progress without violence. Muslims here are not irrational and know that taking the road to peace is the only peaceful solution.

They don't use bombs and guns but words and ideas. The result is economic progress, political stability and a better future for all. The way of non-violence is Malaysia's proud legacy.

It does not mean Malaysia is a perfect model but rather that it is being perfected, and malaysiakini plays an important role in the country's transformation, as we all do.