In response to the letter, 'Secularism unknown to Islam' (Aug 11), the issue is not only finding the right model or arriving at a definitive interpretation of the sacred texts. The struggle in the West was not a struggle between Church and the rulers as the writer suggests. It was really a struggle for freedom - of thought, expression and belief.

The struggle resulted in the separation of Church and State. It did not separate religion from behaviour. Religion for the Christians is a way of life. The clergy do not have the ability to enforce religious precepts as the civil and criminal law of the land. Which is not to say that law in a western country lacks a spiritual basis.

It is a slippery slope that PAS takes when it pushes for an Islamic state.

The Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. It is not possible to impose the religious precepts of one faith over non-Muslims. To attempt to do will create stress and ultimately problems.

The DAP should stop playing with fire and end its dangerous flirtation with PAS. Likewise Umno and the Barisan Nasional should take a clearer position on the issue.

The country should remain secular.

The obstacles in building churches and temples in the country should demonstrate how far down the road we have gone towards religious intolerance.

It is time we took stock and make decisions that will forever set the basis for religious and racial harmony.