I refer to several letters and news reports in malaysiakini on the Article 11 event in Penang, more specifically Fathima Idris's letter .

In the latter, Fathima differed in opinion in rendering the protest at Article 11's public forum as mob rule. I beg to differ with Fathima, taking into consideration the demographics and the special position of Islam from 'other religions which may be practiced in peace and harmony' in the federation.

Malays and Muslim comprise just about 60 percent of the whole. Every incident involving the majority ethnic group has a tendency to instill ambivalence and fear in other smaller ethnic or religious groupings.

Political power is also in the hands of the majority ethnic Malays. Malaysians with a living and historical memory of the riots of May 13 only know too well when incidents could turn ugly and spell trouble for entire communities.

In recent years, concerned Malaysians know that religious freedoms of the minorities have not been safeguarded by the ruling party although constitutionally guaranteed. Minorities have reason to fear for their well-being and safety.

Protests at the public forum in question comprising of Malays and Muslims can rightly be perceived as a mob against powerless religious and ethnic minorities.