I refer to the letter by Tai Loh Chin, 'PAS' narrow perception'

, and its lofty posturing on the proper interpretation of jihad or holy war.

While I am glad that a non-Muslim has taken the trouble to study, albeit superficially, the concept of jihad in Islam, the writer should show some sense of intellectual humility and balance, since he cannot claim to be an expert on the religion of Islam.

We are not engaging in 'coffee-shop talk' here, but a serious discourse on jihad . For a non-Muslim to talk down on Muslims in this fashion, Tai must bare his credentials and his agenda!

What makes him think PAS leaders and members do not subscribe to the wider interpretation of jihad ?

Why does he assume Dr Farish A Noor is right and entitled to claim right and legitimacy to what he perceives to be the proper interpretation of the concept?

I would seriously advise the writer and malaysiakini to obtain a copy of the latest publication from the Muslim Scholars Association of Malaysia (PUM) and the Muslim Scholars Association of Kedah (PUK) entitled 'Memo Kepada Majlis Raja-Raja Melayu' and then ponder over the question whether he should defer to the views of Farish instead of Fadzil Nor and other PAS leaders.

Farish has insulted the Prophet Muhammad by attributing to him gross sexuality and yet pretend that this is a virtue.

What hypocrisy! It is time for malaysiakini to be sensitive to the feelings of millions of Muslims in this country and stop entertaining the likes of Tai and Farish.

Just because many Muslims have kept silent on this issue does not imply that we are not concerned. A few have written to malaysiakini no doubt, but be mindful that a whole lot of us are watching and seething in anger and disgust.

Do not play around with our religion. Have a serious discourse no doubt on jihad and other themes, but make sure there is a balanced view.