I refer to a recent letter from Sisters in Islam (SIS) published in the editor's column of the Star daily. SIS has explained in some detail its position on Muslim women's choice in wearing the hijab .

It is commendable that SIS has painstakingly pointed out that the choice of wearing (or not wearing) the hijab should be left to the individual. However, SIS has offered nothing new nor has understood the root of the problem.

Followers of different religious faiths have different choices and preferences. Even those who belong to the same faith but observe somewhat different denominations within that faith prefer their choice and preferences. With so many diverse faiths and beliefs one can understand when conflicts arise where areas of commonalities do not exist.

It is one of the reasons, therefore, many non-Muslim countries (including secular Turkey) have decreed that religion ought to be kept out of politics and in institutions where the citizens of a country with different/diverse faiths converge. Politicising religion, as has been done in the case of political Islam, does not only alienate citizens of other faiths but also creates an atmosphere of political rivalry affecting the sanctity of the religion.

SIS need not have to look very far from our borders where both Umno and PAS continuously bicker, to the detriment of the citizens, as to who is the true champion of Islam. Look at how menacingly each has been accusing the other as infidels. It does not take a doctorate thesis to understand as to how PAS would behave if it comes to power - perhaps a shade and the streak of the Talibans and the mullahs of Iran are already existent in it.

Even the moderate Khatami has been clipped off his wings. Perhaps, SIS would care to influence the PAS governments in Kelantan and Terengganu to give a choice to the womenfolk on their right to choose - to wear or not to wear. I think they should know the answer. It is for this reason that religion should have no place in politics. Umno created a problem for PAS to capitalise - or to exploit.

Now, to the issue in particular which SIS has commented on - the French government's decree that those attending public schools would not be allowed to wear the hijab . Incidentally, the decree also applies to all faiths. This is a healthy development to foster an understanding among school-going children that the rightful place of religions should be confined to the homes and religious institutions and congregations. This not only maintains the sanctity of the religion but it also ensures that an important institution where future generations are taught, there is no inhibition of any kind which may adulterate the young minds along religious lines.

Not long ago, our former PM (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) pointed out that one of the reasons as to why many non-Malays do not go to national schools - the "Islamisation" of many of these schools. This is what you can see when you allow religion to permeate activities where it comes into conflict with other faiths. It is well-known that the hijab is related to religion and, therefore, the French government has been right to exclude it from public schools. I would have called it hypocrisy if the ruling applied only to one particular religion but since it applies to all religions then it is the right step in the right direction.

And, for those (including SIS) of you who think that the French are not liberal, just remember this - when the Shah of Iran was persecuting Muslims like Ayatollah Khomeni, it was not the Saudis or other Muslim countries but the French and other Western countries which gave them food and shelter - not based on religion but based on humanity.