The Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) received praises for its quick action in condemning the death threats against prominent lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar.

Last Saturday, Abim president Yusri Mohamad slammed the distribution of a leaflet containing a death threat against Malik.

"By turning their back on such violent threats, there is hope for a rational discussion on sensitive topics like religion," said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

"Fanaticism and violence is bred and nurtured when there is no room for discussion."

Lim expressed hopes that the death threat can serve as a catalyst towards greater discussion and communication between different religions.

"More importantly, those opposed to Article 11 must allow freedom of opinion and avoid the language and acts of violence like disruption of forums and threats that Muslims are not subject to the Constitution in defending their faith".

Malik is involved in the Article 11 coalition, which is pressing for greater freedom of religion but is often accused of touching upon Muslim sensitivities.

The lawyer had also held a watching brief for the Bar Council in the appeal by Christian convert Lina Joy against the decision by the National Registration Department to refuse to delete the word 'Islam' from her identity card.

Joy, who was a Muslim, converted to Christianity eight years ago. The Federal Court - the country's highest court - is due to announce its decision on the controversial case soon.

'No place in civilised society'

At last week's press conference, Yusri said that his Islamic youth movement did not condone the use of violence against anyone even if it disagrees with Malik's opinions.

He also stressed that "the use of force, mockery, rude words and death threats" has no place in a civilised society.

Another Muslim group, Pembela - a coalition recently formed to defend Islam - has also condemned the death threats.

Death threats against him have circulated in leaflets, short messaging system (SMS), and e-mails for his legal work, which has been viewed by certain quarters as being 'supportive' of apostasy.

In one e-mail forwarded to malaysiakini , 'Wanted: Dead' was written in large typeface above a photograph of Malik, who is described as 'the traitor-lawyer' supporting the case of Malay Christian convert Joy.

"Spread (this) to our brothers so that they recognise this traitor. If he is found dead by the roadside, let him be. Do not help!" read the message in Bahasa Malaysia.

Opposition leader Lim said: Tthe death threats are worrying as it shows that after 50 years of Merdeka, there are still Malaysian fanatics who resort to uncivilised and barbaric methods against those who do not share their views."

Malaysians are celebrating the 49th anniversery of Merdeka next Thursday.