I think Arbibi Ashoy is simplistic in his belief that there will be a huge difference between the conduct of Muslims who are so-called moderates and the clergy. He mistakenly believes only a clergy-based government can provide a proper Islamic state and truly reflect Islam. The fact is both have had chances at governing and both have not lived up to the people's expectations. Many Islamic states have the poorest human rights records.

Arbibi's notion is that if one prays five times a day and fulfils his or her religious duties, it makes such a person a good Muslim. But should not the more important question be, 'Is a good Muslim who performs his religious obligations also a good person?' Is ritualistic observance of religious duties the essence of goodness? Should not the fruit of one's character including godly attributes such as goodness, honesty, purity, compassion and love be more important?

The problem is certain Muslims overlook the more serious sins of the spirit - covetousness, dishonesty, pride etc but tend to major on the more obvious sins of the flesh - sexual misconduct and lasciviousness. Arrogance, lack of compassion and pride are more dangerous than hedonism and holding hands in public. Yet the religious police and self-righteous concentrate on the latter.

Today Iraq is in the midst of a civil war between the minority Sunnis and Shiites. Sure it is run by a secular government but aren't the clergy also part of it? It is wrong and a delusion to think that clerics are more spiritual or higher than secular or lay Muslims. Perhaps in men's eyes but certainly not God who is no respecter of a person ranks or knowledge, because His ways are higher than ours.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad was right when he complained that Muslims are more interested in the form than substance. It is not my business to tell Muslims how to act out their faith but when their conduct impacts on non-Muslims, it becomes my business and that of other non-Muslims to provide constructive comments, even some semblance of a check and balance. We live in inter-connecting communities and have an obligation to be our brothers' keepers.

In recent times we have seen the intrusion of Islamic religious concerns being imposed on non-Muslims eg, the Shah Alam City Council's anti-dog policies and the no-no over the holding of hands in public, which fortunately were nipped in the bud by common sense. The Taliban were extreme in their control of civil behaviour and some Malaysians want to ape them in the delusion that it is their religious duty.

But words are still words. What is needed urgently is for intrepid Malaysians to reclaim their hijacked country, by clamouring for change. Rid the nation of the political parasites that rob the country's coffers through corruption. Put the cleric in their proper places. Malaysians, Muslims or not, deserve better.

Muslims in Malaysia can learn from the Roman Catholic experience. There was a time when the Roman Catholic clerics ruled the world. Many, as it turned out, were not even men of faith but they controlled kings and priests. But it took a brave man to point out their errors, challenge the authority of the clerics, and the rest is history. The Islamic world has yet to see what a true man of faith can do for it.

If religion is about dressing according to a code and the observation of rituals without a real concern for the condition of the human heart and conduct, it misses the point. God is not amused by those who create religion that stifles. Religion that is inordinately concerned about form without regard for substance is fraught with danger.