I refer to No-To-Islamic-State's "Let's not adopt a 'Talibanistic' lifestyle" (Nov 29). I would like to start by emphasising that we ought to reflect on Article 3 of the Federal Constitution: "Islam is the religion of the Federation, but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony".

This state must be different from those countries which do not have such provision in their constitution. Although it might not render this country a full-fledged Islamic country, it is there not without reasons. The fact Article 3 is in the Constitution indicates the superiority this country accords to Islam than the other religions.

Again, when the constitution provides for restriction of propagation of religion other than Islam to Muslim, it intimates the precedence accorded to Muslims than the rest of the citizens.

Although it is not certain that these provisions will have the effect of prohibiting EPF's investment in the haram businesses, this provisions should remind the writer about the country he or she is living in.

While the writer may be right that smoking, gambling, drinking beer and hard liquor are 'cultural rights' of non-Muslims, I doubt that these are also constitutional rights. The constitution certainly does not protect the right to all of the above. If the government decides to prohibit smoking, gambling, drinking beer and hard liquor, I do not think the constitution can come to the aggrieved persons' rescue.

Secondly, while the writer may be right in saying that "in a secular society, everyone should be allowed to do whatever he or she feels good", he also rightly pointed out that this is so long as it does not violate the rights of others.

While the writer may be free to drink, EPF's act in investing concerned Malaysians', especially the Muslims', money in such objectionable businesses violates their cultural and religious rights. This is because gambling and drinking are some of the biggest sins in Islam.

When Muslims respect the non-Muslims' right to drink and to gamble, they have the right to expect their sensitivities be respected in return. Investing their money in haram businesses such as gambling and drinking is just too much.

This is compounded by the fact that EPF pays dividend out of savings of the rakyat . Most Muslims are concerned that their earnings should come from halal sources. Muslims have reasonable expectation to be rest assured that their money which is compulsorily saved in EPF, yields dividend not from haram sources. I am sure there are many Muslims out there who would like to be so assured. If the writer does not like that, he has to deal with them, the Muslims.

Highest profitability should not be the only consideration in EPF investment policy. If that is so, EPF should also invest in dadah, prostitution and nuclear weapons.

Article 3 is there not without reasons. If it is cosmetic, let us check if there are other 'cosmetic' provisions in the constitution.