I am writing in protest against the Islamic Family Law bill on two counts. The Bill is a gross violation on the basic principles of democracy; that is the right to choose and the right to live free of gender discrimination.

I am protesting on behalf of the female senators who oppose the bill and yet are told to "vote and make sure the Bill must go through". What's the point of voting then when we already know the outcome?

I am also protesting on behalf of my Muslim sisters and the women of Malaysia against a law that will have a huge detrimental effect on their lives. Is our government really moving towards creating a gender-equal society with passing of laws that makes divorce and polygamy easier for men?

With the recent outcry on the non-payment of maintenance by husbands, do you think it is really in the interest of the women that polygamous husbands have the right to claim a share of

their wife's property?

As a citizen of Malaysia, I am deeply disappointed by the dictatorial style of forcing the vote through despite concerns from within the government and the public. It is irresponsible, inefficient and a waste of the taxpayer's money.

I thought that Malaysia has finally begun to take steps in the right direction with the protection of human rights with the recent ear-squat incident and 2005 would end on a high note.

How wrong I was.