I refer to the letter Malaysia now famous for intolerance . I find it hypocritical how some people are championing the right of Muslim women to parade themselves on stage. Let us not forget that Malaysian law prohibits Muslims from obtaining licences to sell liquor and also prohibits Muslims from owning and operating establishments that sell liquor such as pubs and bars.

Am I to understand that despite the fact that Muslim entrepreneurs cannot profit from the lucrative entertainment industry, Muslims nevertheless should be allowed to patronise such entertainment outlets and that the exploitation of Muslim singers to draw in Muslim crowds should be allowed?

Personally, I have no quarrel with any Muslim who wants to sing in pubs and bars. However, I feel that it is unfair that these singers will spend the rest of their lives singing in other people's places and that they are not allowed to dream of ever singing in their own place someday. (It is the norm in Western countries for struggling singers to eventually open up their own businesses and get rich).

I am fully in support of freedom of religion in Malaysia. Human rights is a universal concept and there is no conflict between religion and human rights. It is not about whether Malaysia should be secular or Islamic. There is faulty thinking in both camps and we should take the best of both worlds while rejecting extremism and fascism.

We should reject the weaknesses of phony Islamic states such as Iran and Saudi Arabia which include the discrimination of women, the advocacy of terrorism and militancy, the denial of free and fair elections, the denial of freedom of speech and a free press and the use of strict laws which infringe on freedoms and personal liberties.

We should reject the inherent faults in secular countries which allow for detention without trial, torture of prisoners, refugees and illegal immigrants, allow a compliant judiciary and selective prosecution, practise racial supremacy, police brutality, warmongering and excessive military spending to the detriment of healthcare and education.

Let us take the best of both worlds and apply them sincerely and in moderation and let our conscience be the guiding light towards peace, harmony and prosperity.