YOURSAY 'It is stated in the Quran that ‘there is no compulsion in religion’. Yet, the actions of many Muslims seem to contradict this statement.'

Zaid: Let Christians use 'Allah', but bar conversions

Astounded: I am afraid I do not agree with former law minister Zaid Ibrahim. Here we are talking about the basic human right of freedom of religion for citizens of Malaysia.

Christians cannot trade the respect of freedom of religion of anyone, Muslims included, for their right to use the word 'Allah' to refer to their God, a right which is already theirs no matter what anyone says. The more you try to impose, the worse it is going to get.

Myop101: Sorry Zaid, barring conversion is not up for negotiation as it is an individual liberty. We are already prohibited from proselytising Muslims and we make sure we are careful to put up all the warning signs that some things are not meant for Muslims.

But we cannot support barring conversion when a person has a personal conviction to believe what is right for him or her. Today we talk about stopping conversion out of Islam, tomorrow it could very well be that carrying a Bible/crucifix in public is a crime.

Jstom: The Christians do generally observe the 'no preaching to Muslims' rule in Malaysia. But nobody can control individual behaviour.

So, it boils down to the fact that Zaid is recommending that there be no freedom of religion as far as the Muslims in Malaysia are concerned - this becomes a human rights issue. It must also be realised that some conversions take place without human aid.

SteveOh: Zaid is definitely wrong on this one. Many conversions are not the result of evangelism and there have been some astounding conversions throughout history everywhere. As a democrat, Zaid should be arguing for freedom of conscience, not compulsion.

Why should conversion be another controlled item in Malaysia? It is surprising Zaid has overlooked the Malaysian constitution on the freedom of religion.

Why are Muslims so hung up on conversions when followers of other religions accept it when their members opt for other religions?

Interested Bystander: This is all very well and good as long as Muslims will also not be allowed to convert anyone.

Running_man: I don't get it. It is plainly and clearly stated in the Quran that "there is no compulsion in religion". Yet, the actions of many Muslims seem to contradict this statement, Zaid included.

Onyourtoes: The issue of ‘Allah’ should be decided on its own merits and demerits. It is not for trade.

Besides, I don't think Christians would want to get involved in restricting the freedom of religion among Muslims. Christians respect freedom of religion on all mankind. Christians believe the Almighty needs no protection and shelter from depraved men.

KKCheong: Zaid, why is it "morally repugnant" to convert someone from Islam to Christianity or vice versa?

Ckl0001: Zaid, my opinion is that every individual, every human being should decide for himself/herself what he/she wants to believe in.

Nobody, and not even parents, should be allowed to force anything on a person who is uniquely created by God almighty. Only he/she decides for himself/herself what to belief in.

RR: Freedom of religion is a universal declaration. Our constitution too carries that aspect. Present state law prohibits any Muslim from converting to other religions and are dealt with under syariah law.

Let us leave it at that till one day with the passage of time, Muslims will wake up to the fact that they too have freedom of religion like all others.

Multi Racial: Our constitution allows freedom of religion. Which religion one chooses to believe in is one's choice and no one, including the law, should prohibit the person from choosing his or her religion.

I totally agree with another Malaysiakini commenter who said there is already a law that states: "No one should be engaged in any activity which is unlawful to deceive and coercive another person to embrace another religion without the consent of that person."

We cannot be introducing another law that contradicts what is in our constitution. There is already enough damaged done by some unscrupulous politicians to have unconstitutional amendment done on our constitution.

It is obvious that such a ban is not in the interest of the individual, but more in the interest of politics and vested interests.

I am for freedom of choice for every Malaysian and not force. Having it in the law is as good as impeding on one's rights. Sorry I don't agree with Zaid's recommendation.

Well Thats Fantastic: There are those who would like to see people hanged to death for converting, to them I say, move to country where that practise already happens.

The rest of us don't want compulsion in our religion in any form, especially one wrapped in fear.

NX: In the Middle East, we find many Muslim countries with TV channels that broadcast Christian preaching. You will never find this in Umnoland - why? 'Lemah akidah' because the Muslims here can’t think for themselves.

NH Gong: When you submit to religion, you don't talk sense to another person who is not of the same religion as you. Therefore, ban all religions, and you will not have any more religious conflicts...

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