With reference to Mahdar Tahir's letter Leave interpretation of Islam to the experts , I only have three important things to say.

Firstly - sarcasm is not my strength and therefore I shall not write pages and pages of ad hominem arguments. It is un-Islamic to do so - in case he doesn't know. So to Mahdar Tahir, I say, please address all the issues raised in the article by Dr Muzzammil Siddiqi .

There's no need to debate my scholarship. It's more important that he focus on the thrust and meaning of Muzzammil's essay. Debate his article and not my persona.

Secondly, Mahdar speaks about the experts in Malaysia. Who are they? The mufti of Perak perhaps? Isn't this the same man who abetted in the spread of 'fitnah' regarding some baptism of apostates? Or how about the Malaysian 'expert' who claimed that we cannot wish fellow Hindus a Happy Deepavali? So I am confused. Who are the experts in Malaysia?

And finally, if Mahdar thinks that 12th century interpretations should be upheld - then by all means please tell your IGP to chop off the hands of thieves at Dataran Merdeka. I am sure Singaporeans and the world alike will be happy to see this piece of 12th century Islamic interpretation brought to real life in modern Malaysia. Don't forget to get CNN to televise it live.

Here in Singapore, we know the difference between reality and fantasy. We Singaporean Muslims know that we can never ever return to the 12th century. And if my children apostasise, I will still accept them. For I have given them the best of education and if that is their choice - so be it.