It seems to me that the letters from the readers - 'Crossing and understanding borders' (Nov 12) and 'No compromise on 'halal' issue' (Nov 13) - in response to my earlier letter (The great 'halal' food divide, Nov 9) have conveyed to me a clear and loud message that I need to work harder in my endeavour to promote more interfaith dialogue, fellowship and co-operation.

Perhaps 'halal food' is really an issue because both Muslims and non-Muslims are very far apart in understanding what it is. I think more mutual understanding is badly needed.

An unpleasant incident in my office prompted me to write the letter. The non-Muslim host of a Deepavali gathering was so insensitive or, perhaps ignorant of the sensitivity of the Muslim staff, that he employed a non-Muslim caterer to prepare and serve the food. The Muslim staff were suspicious of the food and the way it was prepared. As a result, some of them boycotted the gathering and some did not take the food at all.

Sad? Yes, but the episode is nothing new to us. No matter what the cause, be it political or sociological, the religious divide is as clear as the crystal. The immediate future will be a trying time for humanity, and we as caring Malaysians (I believe the viewers of malaysiakini are such, regardless of their creeds or political backgrounds) should be more sensitive to other's needs and take the lead to show to the whole world that we can love one another despite our different faiths.

If we love one another enough we will be treating the others as family and would wish no hurt to come to them. There is no question of ever wanting to hurt them. Instead we will do our utmost to share and be a friend of them.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. Let us start with the right understanding of what 'halal' food is all about now!