The world is getting smaller as we become a more globalised village. Cultures have been integrating together but religious systems are finding this coming together problematic.

The irony is that whilst all religions teach good and emphasise respect for each other, it has also created some of the largest divides for people of different faiths to cross.

The remarks of the sultan and the ensuing intolerance aroused by certain groups whether intended or not, only validate that this divide exists.

One cannot fault Islam for instructing its believers to share their faith because it forms an integral part of their teaching from the Quran. Just as one cannot fault other religions to share their faith where it forms an integral part of their teachings be it Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism or other faiths.

To deny others the right to share their faith is tantamount to denying them the right to practice an integral part of their faith.

In like manner, to deny Muslims the right to share their faith would be equal to deny Muslims the right to practice their faith.

In Islam, as in other faiths, it is impossible to legislate or prohibit any believer to stop practising an integral part of their faith which is considered to be divine.

It is undesirable and even foolish to do so. History has shown time and time again, that a dominant religion wanting to prohibit minority groups from expressing their faith through legislation and force has failed.

More importantly history has judged those leaders as being bigoted and willing to profane their faith to beget power.

It has the sum effect of causing their own adherents to be disillusioned with their own faith as well as turning people of other faiths away.

It has more sadly, deepened the divide between differing groups who were innocent victims of such opportunist leaders.

This intolerant approach to other faiths has not worked. In fact, history has exposed the bigotry and self interested intentions of its proponents to sacrifice the greater values of their teaching such as "no compulsion", "giving equal treatment", and "caring for one another," and so profaned their religion.

To brand Christianity or any religion for being subversive by sharing its faith is playing to the gallery of those who are prepared to wield their powers to foster fear and hate to divide the nation.

We can do no better by using institutional religion be it Islam or other faiths to further political gains.

The folly of such political religion will only create greater divide. A new paradigm is needed.

Religious freedom is a universal right recognising the dignity and choice of every human being.

The equation should not be that of taking sides and denying another group their inalienable rights but how to balance the two competing and legitimate rights.

A sincere approach of dialogue and supportive leaders who will refrain from politicking religion will go a long way in finding answers to build a first class nation of 1Malaysia.

May all Malaysians be wise and brave enough to stop the evil manipulation of religion by a few.

May Malaysia journey towards being a model of hope in a globe mired in issues of security and religious divisions.

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