Reading the letters on Islam ([#1] Will Islam obliterate the Chinese? [/#] Feb 2, [#2] Don't dismiss genuine fears [/#], Feb 5, [#3] Why non-Muslims fear Islam [/#], Feb 7) made me cringe, for I have lived for 22 years as part of a family of mixed-parentage (Malay father + Chinese mom).

Firstly, I object to the opinion that a Malaysian non-Muslim must abandon his/her culture and roots when he/she embraces Islam. It still depends on our mentality and principles in defining and drawing the fine line between religion and culture, such as defining the adat bersanding as a religious practice or a cultural practice adopted from the Hindus. This, in my opinion, is the main problem in our society.

I am not sure about other mixed-marriage families, but my family still celebrates Chinese New Year (even though we practise Islam) - and I look forward to the lion-dance show every year. Although I cannot deny that some of the points made by these writers are valid and can be found in reality, it is still not fair to draw a consensus that this is the general situation that is happening in our society.

Honestly speaking, I am glad to hear that we Malaysian Muslims are still greatly concerned about halal-haram foods. Comparing Malaysian Muslims with the Arabic Muslims on that matter, as one writer did, is just like comparing a civilised driver with a driver who drives through every red light he/she encounters and drives at 60kph on the highway's right lane.

So please study Islam thoroughly before making any opinions - let alone making any comparisons.