I am bewildered by the accusations of Abdul Rahman Abdul Talib in Liberals need to be more tolerant of others .

First of all, liberals do not go around rounding up people based on preconceived notions of piety. Liberals do not fly passenger jets into skyscrapers. Liberals do not want to change the Constitution into something exclusively Islamic. Liberals do not arrest Muslims who choose to consume alcoholic beverages by personal choice.

These and many other issues are precisely the result of the fanaticism clearly demonstrated by those who subscribe to an absolutist interpretation of Islam that borders on fascism. I would say that the liberal Muslims have now become the torch-bearers of freedom and democracy in a Malaysia that is increasingly facing a surge in a more radical interpretation of Islam.

Let me clearly spell this one out - Asean doesn't need an Islamic insurgency. And by the way, liberals are not interested in starting an Islamic civil conflict.

We are quite happy with the freedom of choice and democracy.

I also must mention that I find the views of Teras on the Jawi raids and Islamic Syariah law in general completely unacceptable. The liberals among us are not trying to push an American agenda. The issue before us here is the freedom of choice and religion.

Do you mean to tell me that I cannot consume alcoholic beverages because I am identified as a Muslim? Are they (Teras) saying that they will impose their religious convictions on me even when I have not trespassed on their civil liberties?

Whether one is a good, observing Muslim or whether one drinks and doesn't pray should not be an issue to others provided one does not break civil law and order. To intrude into the private space of others - apparently under the banner of religious dogma - is the beginning of the end of civil liberties in Malaysia.

Teras may have their own understanding of Islam but they should keep it to themselves in their private domain. It should not be used as a carte blanche licence to intrude into the private spheres of individuals who may not share in their ideas of what Islam is all about.

Say no to religious intrusion now before its too late.