I wish to comment on the letter Joy decision a violation of the constitution by Thomas English. I agree with him 100 percent. The root of the problem is actually the politicisation of religion in Malaysia.

There seems to be a relentless determination on the part of the authorities to control and manipulate religion for political purposes regardless of the well-being of the individuals who profess the religions. In other words, it is in fact the "hijacking" of religion to ensure submission and loyalty.

Freedom of religion is lacking in Malaysia and the worst affected are the Muslim community. Islam is being used by the ruling elite to oppress the people they rule. In Malaysia, the religious authorities conduct raids on two-star and three-star budget hotels arresting Muslim couples suspected of committing "khalwat" (close proximity) but they avoid raiding 5-star hotels in case they might arrest a member of the ruling elite.

In fasting month, Muslims are arrested for eating in public, many of whom do so because of health problems. Yet it is a well-known fact that families of the ruling elite choose to go for holidays in Europe, Australia and the US during this period to avoid scrutiny. In the end, you have one set of rules for the rich and another for the poor.

Freedom of religion should be for everyone, regardless of ethnic race, status and one's personal choice of religion, whether Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity or Islam. Even atheists must have rights as well so it is wrong for Malaysia to ban cloning and discourage the use of condoms just because the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) say so.

Basically, atheists and certain minorities such as the Mormons demand the right not to be bogged down by restrictions inherited from religion such as the right to practise bigamy and polygamy which the Malaysian government has denied to all women and to non-Muslim men.

Many people in Western societies are pushing for ancient religions such as Wicca be accepted into mainstream society. Despite facing prejudice and a biased media coverage, the religion of Scientology has managed to flourish. All this shows that the people of the world are becoming more open and tolerant despite their governments becoming more oppressive and strict. People are dissatisfied with many of the world's major religions which promote violence, glorify war, justify terrorism, permit unbridled capitalism and encourage divisions along religious lines.

Let us have freedom of religion so that we all can live in peace in harmony instead of the sad and pathetic present state of affairs which we are being forced to endure.