It was never going to be easy to get Malaysians of different creeds to clearly define the objectives and structure of the proposed interfaith commission (IFC), as a recently concluded national conference revealed.

Much of the conflict, real or perceived, between the proponents and opponents of the IFC draft bill appear to boil down to gaps in understanding the crux of the matter.

This was epitomised by a boycott of the proceedings by several mainstream Muslim groups, on grounds that Islam should not be subjected to the IFC's jurisdiction.

However, as one participant captured it neatly: "Religion is not on trial (here)."

What was 'on trial' were issues linked to administration of Islamic law, within the context of the constitutional freedom to profess one's chosen faith.