updated version The controversial memorandum is now a case of 'here today and gone tomorrow' after its retraction by the ministers concerned. Hopefully, the heat and tension built up over the past two days will also follow suit.

Today, the non-Muslim ministers have agreed to retract the memorandum which calls for the religious rights of minorities to be protected, a relieved Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced this evening.

"I told them to retract the memorandum this morning and they have agreed," said Abdullah when launching the new Umno membership campaign themed 'My family, an Umno member' in Kuala Lumpur.

His instruction was conveyed during a one-hour meeting with five non-Muslim ministers at his official residence this morning. The five were Ong Ka Ting, Chan Kong Choy, Dr Chua Soi Lek, S Samy Vellu and Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

As such, he said the content of the memorandum, endorsed by all ten non-Muslim ministers except one who was overseas and handed over to him on Wednesday, would not be discussed.

He also said the controversial memorandum - an unprecedented move in the Barisan Nasional - should no longer be an issue as he reiterated his stance yesterday that there would not be any amendment to Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution.

Clause (1A) was inserted following an amendment in 1988 to stop Muslims from leaving Islam. It has been interpreted as forbidding the civil courts from encroaching into the jurisdiction of the syariah courts.

However, the prime minister said he was prepared to amend the subsidiary legislation to explain the ambiguity concerning the jurisdiction of the syariah and civil courts.

"On the issue of syariah and civil courts, we are not planning to abolish any of the courts. Both courts would certainly exist whereby Islamic religious affairs will be discussed at the syariah court," he said.

Reactions to this about-turn?

REV WONG KIM KONG, assistant secretary-general, Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHS)

After hearing from a minister who attended the morning meeting with the premier, I feel that the non-Muslim community must not pre-judge or misconstrue the retraction of the memo as something negative, or that the non-Muslim ministers are giving in.

The reason is because the non-Muslim ministers have to choose between confrontation or redemption. Their retraction I believe is clearly based on an amicable agreement and arrangement to resolve the problem in the spirit of consultation within the cabinet.

For the sake of unity and harmony, therefore the ministers choose the way of reconciliation rather than confrontation for a long term progressive plan, using the 'win-win' approach to resolve the problem.

They are doing it with a open and mature mind, and also to defuse confusion and tension. The other alternative plan would be for the premier to meet up with MCCBCHS to hear our views.

DR LIM KENG YAIK, Gerakan President

The memorandum was meant to provide further input in a more systematic and specific manner, but confidentially and with good intention. It was not meant as putting pressure on the prime minister, and not at all as a threat to him.

After discussing with the prime minister, we fully realised that this was inappropriate precedurally, especially now that it has become public knowledge and conveyed the wrong perception.

Following the advice of the prime minister, we have decided to withdraw it.

However, when the AG's recommendations are tabled in the cabinet for discussion in the near future, we shall present our views and recommendations then.

LIM KIT SIANG, Parliamentary Opposition Leader

As far as Malaysians are concerned, the issue is not the memorandum, but the restoration of the rights of non-Muslims not to be adversely affected by the syariah laws and courts. If the memorandum by the non-Muslims ministers resulted in the whole issue being buried, there would be a travesty to justice.

I think the political history and reality of Malaysia is such that such a notion is completely unthinkable. As a result, any attempt to read the memorandum as a "threat" and challenge to Abdullah's authority when there is no basis whatsoever is the height of irresponsibility especially if the result is to plunge the country into a synthetic political crisis.

This leaves the other interpretation that the memorandum by the non-Muslim ministers was more an act of desperation or impotence, reflecting their lack of confidence that their views will be given proper weight and consideration in the Cabinet.

HUSAM MUSA, PAS vice-president

The non-Muslim ministers have clearly lost trust in the prime minister by sending such a childish and provocative memorandum. It was done without considering the sensitivity of Muslims and without considering other means of appeals. They should have brought the matter up in the cabinet, rather than to threaten the premier.

But because of Abdullah's weak handling of the situation and saying that there is confusion over laws pertaining to religious conversion, people speculate on that and this results in the memorandum.

If he had asked all related parties, including the Attorney-General and religious authorities, to discuss the matter, it could have been resolved very quickly. The ministers should resign en bloc as they have shown a lack of trust for the prime minister.

Meanwhile, the MCA president and his deputy could not be reached while party vice-president Dr Fong Chan Onn when contacted declined to comment.