I refer to the Malaysiakini report Disruption of 'conversion' forum a black mark .

I am a Malaysian, Malay Muslim. I went to the Bar Council forum on religious conversion last Saturday because I sincerely feel there is a very real and genuine need for a solution to the problems faced by the family of some converts in this country.

I am sick and tired of Islam being blamed for the follies of mankind, the inherent beauty of this religion lost because we failed to exercise compassion and justice in the administration of our laws.

Laws, amongst other things, are to control mankind’s many undifferentiated needs and unregulated wants. Admittedly, many of the problems that arise are the result of the lack of prudence and wisdom on the part of the converts themselves, but the way we administer our laws have exacerbated those follies, instead of making them better.

Why are we not able and not allowed to discuss these matters publicly in a sane and rational manner? I did not see any evidence of ‘Islam-bashing’ as was claimed nor did I sense an intent of one.

I am unimpressed with our political leaders who pre-empted the forum by presuming ‘bad intent’ on the part of the organisers. The presumption of bad intent was quickly exploited by groups with narrow interests and tunnel vision.

Can we at least credit the Bar Council with some brains as not to openly bash Islam and incite racial and religious tension? Can we at least presume good intent when they are actively looking for a solution because the religious and government authorities in this country are dragging their feet on this matter?

The police allowed some of the leaders of the demonstrating group into the hall. They were angry, obdurate, some even wild-eyed. I was sad, very sad that my people, who profess the same religion as I, behaved this way.

I applaud Prof Mehrun Siraj that day but her voice of reason was drowned by hysterical shouts, accusing her of collusion.

Are we not able to show that our love for our religion and our race does not preclude us from being just and compassionate to other races and other faiths? As much as we love to welcome converts to our faith, we must not ‘sacrifice’ their families left behind.

We should discuss and agree on a structured procedure of how converts should deal with their non-converting families, making sure their rights are not discarded just because their fathers/husbands (or for that matter, their mothers/wives) have changed religion.

And lastly, may I quote Surah Al-Nahl, Ayat 125: ‘Invite (all) to the Way of the Lord with wisdom and beautiful discourse; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for the Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.’