In reference to your article 'Islam attacked under guise of freedom of speech: PAS leader'

, I am shell-shocked by Fadzil Nor's highly malicious accusations against Dr Farish A Noor, one of the writers accused of "denigrating Islam" by PUM (Muslim Scholars Association of Malaysia), a body reputed to have close links with PAS.

Fadzil is absolutely incorrect to state that Farish has never apologised for the possible misunderstanding that could have transpired from reading his articles in the News Straits Times dated Nov 4, 2000 and The Edge dated Dec 3, 2001.

Deprived of a platform to properly defend himself by PUM's adamant refusal to meet the accused writers, Farish issued a written statement in New Straits Times dated Feb 22 , 2002 explaining how he was quoted out of context and his words given new meaning while at the same time apologising for the distress and bitterness it caused certain quarters.

In the same spirit, he also explained his position time and again at forums organised by the Muslim Youth Association of Malaysia (Abim).

From Farish's explanation and illustration of how he was misquoted, it appears as though PUM and PAS are attempting a character assassination on the writer. I believe this would tantamount to fitnah (slander), which is a cardinal sin in Islam.

Falling back on the tradition of the ulama (Islamic scholars) who were the enlightened and tolerant Arab missionaries and mystics of the past era, I have the highest respect and reverence for the truly genuine ulama .

Today, I am deeply saddened that the modern-day ulama is both political and totally incapacitated by their other learned half. Hence, they resort to character assassination to win cheap votes from the public by pretending to champion Islam.