I refer to the letter titled Islamic law is above the Constitution . Allow me to begin by making the statement that religious rules and laws are meaningful only insofar as they are believed to be true by the believers.

The question leads to another controversial situation. Is the state then required to 'force' those who are doubtful of the validity of these religious laws to believe in them? Can belief in a religion and its laws or rules be based upon coercion?

I ask this in sincere honesty. After all, the Darwinian theory of evolution is not taught in Malaysian schools. So, if a scientist like me rejects the special creation of mankind in favour of the evolutionary theory, is he or she guilty of apostasy?

The point I wish to make is that religious beliefs based on unproven dogma cannot and should not be forced upon people. It's up to the individual to decide whether to accept these beliefs or otherwise.

The problem with a blind faith, irrational approach to religion is that it leads to a total abuse of power. And indeed, that led to the Reformation in the Christian world hundreds of years ago. I have discussed this issue comprehensively before , and I will not repeat myself here.

So what is bothering Muslims in Malaysia? Is there any discrimination towards Muslims in Malaysia? Is Islam not allowed to propagate in Malaysia? Or is the practice of Islam handicapped in any way in Malaysia?

Surely the answer to these questions is a resounding 'No'. Indeed, Islam is a privileged religion in Malaysia and is placed on a high pedestal. So what are Muslims in Malaysia complaining about?

Malaysian Muslims are free to practice Islam without any hurdles in Malaysia. But - and here is the punch line - they are not free to force others in the matter of religion. Of what good is the faith of a person who is forced to believe in the various dogmas of Islam?

I cannot fathom this mentality of hegemony and domination. Some would say that this is precisely what puts people off Islam. Sorry to say that - but it's true.

Finally, I would like to categorically point out that there exist other interpretations of Islam besides the 10th century, Middle-Eastern one that we are so accustomed to in Malaysia. The modernists and the reformists among us will paint for you a different picture of Islam.

Perhaps we should let the gradual evolution of society decide which interpretation of Islam is more sensible for the multi-religious Malaysia of this day and age.

And in response to the claim often made by some Muslims that they are entitled to follow the Syariah, I would also like to add that Muslims are similarly entitled not to follow the Syariah. The freedom of choice in religion must be upheld.

Frankly, the recent debates in Malaysia over Islam and society have begun to resemble the American Supreme Court debate over the constitutionality of enforcing religion in American society.

Of course, we already know the outcome in America. Actually this lively debate is healthy. All sorts of misconceptions can be cleared. The fact that there is a serious debate indicates that Malaysian civil society and democracy is alive and kicking.

And that's good. I can assure you that in many other places, there wouldn't even be such an exchange of ideas. And you don't need to look far away for such examples...