Malaysia is supposed to be a country of tolerance. Ironically, I suppose the operative word here would be 'supposed'.

Inter-faith/inter-religious/inter-racial marriage is a wonderful thing. I am not advocating for it but certainly see nothing wrong with it. We lived in a multiracial society and inevitably there will be love sparks flying between two persons regardless of their race and religion.

Religion is a matter of faith and belief. It only matter to that person who practice it, if he or she actually believe in it. What is the point of saying "I am a person of 'x' religion" if he is a forced converter, or convert for reason not of faith? In the end, wouldn't he or she live a hypocrite life?

It's hard to find someone you love and willing to spend the rest of your life together. Marriage is a big step into adulthood and a commitment till death do you apart. It saddens me when I hear two lovers cannot take this sacred vow together because of conflicting faith.

The matter is further compound by the government policy of forced conversion for anyone wishing to marry a non-Muslim. The government must understand the dilemma of a non-Muslim. Being Muslim is not just about changing faith but it involves changing name, customs and lifestyles. Whereas previously a non-Muslim can enjoy his favourite pork dishes or indulge himself occasionally with fine red wines, all these he has to halt after he converts to a Muslim.

To make matter worse, apostasy is a serious offence. That is why the nation is holding their breath, and rightly so, for the Federal Court decision on the Lina Joy case. It is at this junction that I think I would like to refer to the content of a letter from Mrafee . The author commented on a certain Khalid J , a Pakistani Muslim for not understanding the Malaysian reality.

He went on and propounded that forced conversion is to preserve harmony between the Muslims and the non-Muslims. Now how can this be beneficial to both sides? A forced converter may not be a true devotee and is easily tempted to leave a non-Muslim lifestyle thus shaming the religion.

Furthermore, any act shoved through the throat by the government may be viewed with caution and hostility by the non-Muslim minorities thus driving a further wedge between the two.

Rather than obligated one to change his religion, the government should encourage and endeavour to educate the rakyat how to live and respect one another's religion and belief. The establishment should be picking their brain on ways to narrow the gulf between the Muslim and their counterparts and not antagonise one party for the benefit of the other.

I recognised that in this country all non-Muslim whom wishes to marry a Muslim must convert. This is an irrefutable fact and an established government policy. But just because it is being practice, does this automatically accord the same a coat of moral legitimacy?

William Gladstone, the former British prime minister in the late 19th century once says, "Nothing that is morally wrong can be politically correct".

Subjugating one's right and providing no viable alternative is morally wrong. If you love your partner, you should understand this. If you partner did choose to convert in the end, just be thankful your love triumphs all but ask yourself; don't you wish he or she doesn't have to make this choice?