Amri Rahayat expresses surprise that some Malays do not support the establishment of an Islamic state in Malaysia ([#1] Muslims against creation of Islamic state [/#], Feb 9). He suggests that selfishness and/or Western influence is the reason for this, and gives homosexuality as an example of such influence.

I wonder if the common misconception that a Malay is automatically a Muslim underlines Amri's surprise. Being born of Muslim parents does not make you a Muslim, despite what religious or national authorities may say. Neither does following the outward signs of Islam, such as daily prayers, fasting or the Haj. Being a Muslim is a personal covenant between you and the Almighty which involves much more.

I have spoken to many " kampung Malays", and some might be surprised by the number who have expressed their doubts about religious teachings, with some even questioning the existence of God, heaven, or eternal damnation - very "Western concepts". They are only simple folks, as they have been repeatedly told; what does their humble opinion have to do with the sandiwara of national affairs? They continue to live their lives as best they can, often with greater wisdom than our national leaders.

When it comes to deciding on the role religion should have in Malaysian society, we could possibly reflect on the lesson from A Sad Malaysian ([#2] No English, please... we're Malaysians [/#], Feb 10). When we make certain choices, whether as individuals or as a society, it is rare that everything is "black and white". We need to do more than just rally around a certain cause. We need to reflect deeply about the exactly what we want to achieve and discuss widely how we can best achieve it. We need to be careful that we do not "throw the baby out with the bath water".