I read with great interest the report on the issue of the use of the name 'Jesus' at the national-level celebration this Christmas.

I must say that this issue is a very disappointing one especially at a time like Christmas. I find it hard to agree with both Rev Dr Herman Shastri and Christmas Freak on their different statements which amount to the same definition.

With all due respect, I believe that followers of any religion, of their own free will, should be given the opportunity to expound the religious aspects of their celebration without distraction.

If possible, it would be cool to see a Buddhist procession on Wesak Day while a Deepavalli national open house could probably expound on the fight between good and evil. And on Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, it would be great to hear 'nasyid' - we don't have to be Muslims to appreciate the beauty of religious music.

As a Catholic-Christian, I have been taught to respect and to learn more about other religions. These national open houses not only strengthen ties, but give us first-hand experience to learn.

As such, when it comes to Christmas, let us mention Jesus and His Nativity. Nobody has to believe in Jesus (the purpose is not to preach, just to remind ourselves of the significance of that special day) but one would be in the wrong place if he or she didn't believe in peace, hope, joy, and love which was what Jesus wanted to bring with His birth.

I would like to stress a point that must be made known to all Malaysians - we are a multi-religious society. Unfortunately, we are in a quandary as to how to be secular and religious at the same time.

If we were a secular society, banning the name of Jesus would be fine - but we are not. What is wrong in showcasing the different understandings of different religions? No one has the intention of preaching or proselytising, it's just to promote goodwill.

We have already proven that we can love one another despite our different creeds, so what is wrong in taking our respect and understanding for one another step higher? It is something for people of all religions to digest.

Happy Christmas!