... is that we mix religion with politics. This is a true and fast recipe for chaos. Leave religion and politics alone. Besides, the religious authorities do not run this country. Our leaders do.
On Dialogue on Lina Joy judgment
Nirmala Naidu: I agree with Lina Joy. You can't force someone to believe in something that they don't believe in. The moment Lina Joy renounced Islam, she is no longer a Muslim.
I believe one must be free to choose which religion to profess.
And what's this about BN losing Malay votes? That's nonsense. BN is a component party.
The problem with us is that we mix religion with politics. This is a true and fast recipe for chaos and anarchy. Leave religion and politics alone.
Besides, the religious authorities do not run this country. Our leaders do. Time to think who were are voting for.
Our leaders need a wake up call.
Amita Chong: The Syariah courts have jurisdiction over Muslims and those who profess Islam as their religion.
Lina Joy has embraced another religion other than Islam as her own and does not call herself a Muslim anymore.
So why do the Syariah courts still apply to a non-Muslim?
What verse in the Koran gives the Syariah courts the right to determine someone's beliefs?
Indhran: I am writing this letter to voice my dissatisfaction over the Lina Joy decision. Basically I'm stunned by the 2-1 decision. Why did one judge rule in favour of Joy? How is it the other two judges voted a 'No'?
Article 11 of the Federal Constitution says there is freedom of religion so why does Syariah law come into Lina Joy's case? It's unreal that Syariah law can bypass the Federal Constitution. So which is which?
Is the Malaysian government following the Federal Constitution or Syariah law? The Joy decision clearly shows that Syariah laws can supercede the Constitution anytime if there's a need for it. No wonder the government refuses to talk or let any one talk about Article 11.
I believe it's high time Malaysians change their mentality and how they look at things. Last but not least, the government won't exist if we - the people - are not there. We are the government and we decide on the government. Until Malaysians understand this concept no one can save Malaysia..
Untuk Mu Malaysia: The Federal Court has directed Lina Joy to refer her case to the Syariah courts. How sure are they that Lina Joy won`t be sentenced to death for apostasy? This may well turn out to be the case as the Syariah courts may see it fit to set a precedent.
On another matter, ask the Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans, Orang Asli, Bajaus, Thais, Japanese, Koreans, French, Germans, British, Javanese, etc whether they must profess a certain religion in order to belong to their own race For example, must a Korean profess a certain religion so that he is a Korean?
Many races in the world are not defined by religion. Race is race, religion is religion. For example, we have Muslim Chinese, Christian Chinese, Buddhist Chinese, Taoist Chinese, atheist Chinese and so on.
Balanced: Lina Joy is at a crossroads where there seems to be a huge chasm into which all of us are peering down into. The most important thing then is to keep one's balance. The civil courts could not possibly have come to any other conclusion in the interest of this nation.
Dr Mazeni Alwi's analysis would be taken with a pinch of salt in places like Turkey, Egypt and even Indonesia and Joy had a firm advocate in Judge Richard Malanjum. That was the balance in the decision if read between the lines.
It would be extremely unwise for any party to take either a triumphant view or an imperialist view of the decision. Therein lies Mazeni's sense of balance. There is enough hatred in this world to last us till the Second Coming. We need not add to this devil's cauldron.
There are many, many of our Muslim brethren who may or may not agree with the decision but nonetheless feel deeply for Joy. I fully trust the wisdom of the prime minister; he knows what it is like to be in the wilderness and yet be able to come came back and put this country right.
Concerned Non-Economist: I cannot understand the fuss over this Lina Joy. A Hindu cannot renounce his religion in public in India and a Catholic cannot renounce his faith in Italy.
Freedom of religion does not mean that you can renounce your faith in public. It means that you can practice your faith freely.
In the Malaysian context, it is important to keep emotions in check with the emphasis that we are free to practice our religion but we cannot preach it to others.
Tu Vong: I am concerned as a Malaysian citizen. As a result of the verdict on the Lina Joy case, I believe the world is watching or keeping an eye on Malaysia. I have read many articles regarding the Lina Joy case and I came to realise that people are watching.
After reading the various articles, I came to this conclusion on what they think about our beloved country Malaysia. Firstly, the decision makes the Malaysian constitution a laughing stock among all nations on the face of this earth.
Secondly, the Islam Hadhari which our prime minister introduced is now showing its ugly face after all.
My sincere hope and appeal to all Malaysians regardless of our religious beliefs is to come to your senses and wake up and think of the implications as a result of the decision. Voice out your concern via e-mails to our prime minister.
