I would like to comment on Abdullah Mohd Zin's letter, 'Secularism is not neutral', (Aug 21), particularly with regard to what he said about France. Religion is treated as a deeply personal issue, so much so that nobody is supposed to ask about anybody else's religious beliefs. It is not stated in the documents, it is not required when filling up forms, and neither is it asked during job interviews.

In Saudi Arabia churches cannot be built, while Rome is now open to one of the biggest mosques in the world, placed very close to the Vatican City, the centre of the Catholic faith.

I have a fair share of friends who decided to embrace Islam, and they are very happy to have done so. Personally I feel very much attracted to Buddhism too and I do not rule out the possibility that, one day, I will decide to get to know this religion better.

The point is that religion is a deeply personal issue. Nobody should question anybody else's beliefs and this is the reason why religions, all of them, should be kept out of politics.

All religions are equally good, that they all teach good values, that they all help us become a better person. Let each and every individual decide for him or herself which belief is more suitable for his or her spiritual development and upbringing.

Or maybe the issue is about the political power and the authority that religion can give. This is a valid point for everybody, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to mull.