I would like to refer to the letter Have dialogue, but leave Islam alone in which the writer criticised the proponents of the Interfaith Commission as he saw it as an interference in the affairs of Malay Muslims.

If the Malays are defensive of their faith, then there is no reason why the Kadazandusuns can't be the same too.

Why then should the Kadazandusuns allow the National Registration Department (NRD) to thwart attempts by Kadazandusun Muslims to return to their original faith? Between 1967 and 1976, many Kadazandusuns converted to Islam out of necessity.

Many have since returned to their original faith. However since 1999, the NRD has been refusing applications from Kadazandusuns to leave Islam and return to their original religion.

People like the writer aforementioned must realise that Malaysia is not a Malay state. This is because it includes the states of Sabah and Sarawak, which are overwhelmingly non-Muslim. The Malays must realise that they are not the only bumiputeras here in Malaysia.

If they want to turn Malaysia into a Malay-Muslim state, fine, but this should not include Sabah and Sarawak.

The Kadazandusuns would like the same kind of respect others expect from them. An interfaith dialogue should involve all parties as the religious freedom of Kadazandusuns has been curbed for far too long.