I write as the chairperson, and on behalf, of the steering committee of the initiative towards the Interfaith Commission of Malaysia (IFC).

It is unfortunate that certain quarters have chosen to misrepresent the efforts of the steering committee and the initiative itself. These misrepresentations are reckless and published with disregard for the truth.

They have had, and still have the unfortunate effect of undermining a necessary and valuable civil society effort. These accusations and misrepresentations have further had the regrettable effect of creating tensions where none existed before.

The purpose of this statement is to explain the initiative and the draft Bill which was the final product of the conference held in Bangi, Selangor in February.