CT Wong ('Secular Islamic state' a contradiction that needs further scrutiny, Nov 29) has put forward a lot that demands serious thought from Malaysians committed to the development of a pluralistic multi-racial society.

In this context, it would be appropriate to read the article by Stanley Reed ('Moderates must seize the moment for reform') in the current (Dec 3) issue of BusinessWeek's Asian edition. Reed has analysed the possible impact of America's "smashing of the oppressive and backward Taliban regime in Afghanistan" on countries in the Middle East. He has specifically mentioned Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and warned that "continued repression and stagnating economies will only further the cause of fundamentalists who could eventually threaten their regimes. That would add to already-strained relations with the US".

Reed mentions Ahmad Bishara, leader of the liberal National Democratic Front in Kuwait, as having called for sweeping reforms to restore the "damaged image" of Islam. Ahmad Bishara, according to Reed, "wants to separate religion from the affairs of state - arguing that is the only route to a successful society".

One can see the tightrope that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is having to walk. On the one hand, having raised the expectations of the bumiputras in Malaysia through an all-compassing programme of affirmative action, he can scarce afford to withdraw privileges which are deemed sacrosanct.

Plus, he has to take on PAS which has assumed, for reasons of political expediency, the mantle of Islamic fundamentalism. Hence the ambivalent messages and flip-flops as to whether Malaysia is an Islamic state or not. On the other hand, he has to placate the US which, in its current mood, is not inclined to look too kindly on states where Islamic fundamentalism is on the rise.

And with the export-oriented Malaysian economy dependent on the US market, and with the US being one of the major sources of foreign investment for Malaysia, the need to keep in America's good books is paramount.

Ironically, one would think that this would be of comfort to those who believe that Malaysia should be a secular state, along the lines of Turkey, where state and religion are kept separate from each other.

And with Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore all proclaiming themselves as being secular states, Malaysia runs the risk of being isolated and named as the odd man out. The consequences of something like this happening would be scary to contemplate.