The Lina Joy apostasy case has exposed the hypocrisy and pretense within the religion of Islam in Malaysia. Suddenly, the youngest and most versatile major religion in the world has been turned into an arrogant, supremacist and oppressive one.

Since the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Islam has been in a downward spiral gradually turning into the most loathed and despised religion in the world.

Muslims must heed verse 13 :11 of the Quran: 'God will not change the situation of a race of people unless those people strive for change themselves'. Muslims will continue to be victimised (in Iraq, Palestine, Chechnya etc.) until they themselves wish for change.

Muslims must end their glorification of terrorism. Muslims must end their degradation of women. Muslims must appreciate the value of knowledge and strive so that illiteracy is vanquished and that universities flourish in every city.

Muslims must end their petty little squabbles over land and their greed for instant wealth or power which is not substantiated by hard work, perseverance and the principles of honesty and integrity.

Muslims in Malaysia need to undergo a paradigm shift. There must be an emphasis of substance over form.

These may sound like ancient cliches but the hopelessness and haplessness of Muslims nowadays require drastic changes based on such obvious and time tested philosophies. It is imperative that Muslims in Malaysia end their infatuation with rituals which tend to become meaningless after a while unless their significance is fully comprehended. (Note : The Islamic religion is taught in Malaysia in a fascist manner as in most Muslim countries where students are told 'Don't ask questions, just accept').

We must also stop prying into the personal lives of people with laws like 'khalwat' (close proximity). The authorities in Malaysia need to stop telling people what to believe in and what not to because Islam is a simple religion which does not need an intermediary between God and man.

Muslims in Malaysia need to return to the basics. Concentrate on education and knowledge. Allow freedom of thought and expression. Islam is not a prison whereby if you 'serve your sentence' with good behaviour you will be freed after approximately 60 - 90 years upon death.

Islam is a religion which you must embrace; love your life and your surroundings and empathise with all human beings no matter what their creed, status and ethnicity. It is about contributing to make this world a better place - free from poverty, ignorance, fear, hate, war, prejudice, famine, disease, misery and suffering.