Jom-Boikot's letter ( Boycott 'disrespectful' shopping malls ) is reflective of the narrow and bigoted way that can only serve to divide our multi-religious society.

Firstly, this should not be made into a religious issue. As Francis S Wong rightly pointed out in his letter Xmas decoration not reflective of religion , you can be assured that most of the festive decorations in shopping malls (local or abroad) is a-religious (or non-religious) and purely the result of the commercialisation by our capitalist culture.

Christmas today, to most people, has evolved into a non-religious celebration often used as an opportunity to exchange gifts and to have a good time.

This view is clearly evident from Badang's letter

. To him, Christmas is a season that "creates a feel-good effect of giving and sharing". Shopping complexes realise this and pounce on the season to increase sales. This is pure commerce and has nothing at all to do with religion.

Secondly, Jom-Boikot has shown disrespect to the minority groups in Malaysia by trying to intimidate others with his majority status. As Malaysians, we should take extra caution that the words we use do not stir up unhealthy sentiments that are potentially harmful to the way different religious groups relate to one another.

I urge other malaysiakini readers to be more discerning and sensitive on issues such as this.