I am a little disappointed that my first letter attracted somewhat limited responses. On the one hand, there were those who want absolute rights to be granted immediately; and there were those who discussed only the issue of the use of the term 'Allah'.

While I am among those who believe in the broadest possible granting of rights, it is a matter of common sense that the granting the rights to one or some groups must not in the process significantly encroach on the rights of others.

That is one of the reasons why frank but mutually respectful dialogue is needed - so that everyone will have an understanding of the perspectives of others as well as their own.

My main point was that we should give priority to building up trust and mutual respect between adherents of the various religions. This is crucial for ensuring that our nation does not continue to be plagued by racial-religious tensions. It is a process, one that needs to be taken step by step, which must take into consideration major sensitivities which are present in the society at this moment.

If we can only get started on the right footing, these smaller issues of contention will disappear by themselves, and broader rights can be enjoyed by all.