The outspoken Kota Bharu MP presented an inspiring speech calling on Muslims to stop playing god and to have more confidence in the religion at a human rights conference today.

Zaid Ibrahim's spirited speech commanded the attention of almost 300 participants at the Malaysian Human Rights Day 2006 conference organised by Suhakam in Kuala Lumpur.

Covering depth and breadth on the role of Islam as a faith, he said Muslims should give Islam more credit.

"Somebody in Parliament said that if we don't have rules (regarding apostasy), they would all become apostates. That's stupidity! Do we not give our religion more respect and recognition?"

"Do we not shame ourselves by making such statements that we have no confidence in the intrinsic worth of our religion?" he said, pointing out that Islam has been around for centuries.

Zaid who is also a lawyer, raised various contentious cases most notably the one involving apostate Lina Joy, stressing that Muslims should let the law run its course and not to play god.

Joy, who was a Muslim, converted to Christianity eight years ago has appealed against the decision by the National Registration Department in not removing the word 'Islam' from her identity card.

'Your warped minds under attack'

The judgment, anticipated by many, will be soon announced by the Federal Court, the country's highest court.

"She just wants her IC changed, let the courts decide that. There is no need to say that Islam is under attack. Islam is not under attack. It is your warped minds under attack," he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

"What's the problem? She's not Muslim anymore. God will punish her surely. Do we play god's role now? How do you know god won't forgive her?"

"We should show kindness to these cases if someone strayed from the true path. We must try to understand," he said.

Zaid who is also pro tem president of free speech group Malaysian Civil Liberties Society, noted that politics have muddled the demarcation between religion and law.

"There is a big divide in the country and it's all because of politics. The way forward is for every group to be honest with the people and explain (ourselves)."

"If you take (religion and race) out of the political agenda, what else can we talk about? Economy is a dry subject and technical.

"It is easy to get instant recognition and support when you raise (religious and racial issues)," he said.

He then stressed that Muslims should understand that civil courts are authoritative when it comes to constitutional matters.

"The civil court is not our enemy. The civil courts in this country have done a great job. You must remember that constitutional issues are within the purview of the civil courts."

"If there are conflicts (with the syariah courts), these conflicts can be resolved according to the law. You cannot have two forums for this (constitutional matters). There can only be one and that would be the civil courts," Zaid said.