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The Minister says that there are "more civilised ways to discuss religion rather than talking about it openly". This is saying that it is uncivilised or less civilised to openly talk about religion.

Uh? Why?

By the same token, is it then uncivilised to openly talk about, e.g., hudud laws? Why should it be? Why can't it be openly discussed? And on the many occasions when it was openly talked about, why has the Minister not said that it ought not to be done?

My late father was not a Minister. He did not even get to go to school. But that did not mean he lacked wisdom. For example, he had a simple but discerning concept about good and bad. He used to say that a good thing was something you could openly talk about, and that you did not mind everybody to know. Whereas a bad thing was something that you would avoid bringing out in the open.

The Minister then says: "We do encourage discussions on things which have impact on people. But at the same time, if it could create misunderstanding and sensitivity, touches on racial and religious sentiments, I think we should avoid it." If he is right, then how can discussion on sensitive subjects touching on race, such as Ketuanan Melayu, be allowed (as it has been on many occasions)?

Can someone tell me what year it is, and which country I am living in?

Yeo Yang Poh

If it is sensitive to talk about Islam, please may I initiate a forum where we can share with all Malaysians who are keen to learn more about Christianity?

This does not mean that they need to become Christians, nor is it my intention to convert them, so please do not get me wrong!

Love is not selfish.

We need to share our religious peace and comfort if we love one another, and care for the others' feelings. We also need to know the do(s) and don't(s) of the other religions so as not to be offensive to others.

BUT, BUT........HOW CAN WE EVER KNOW what is offensive, and what is restrictive, and what is not..... without our first learning the basics and truth about the matter, any matter, especially the other religions which are not our own?

We certainly need to shed off all the Malaysian coconut shells cast upon us so selfishly by the selfish and self-proclaimed 'masters'.

Tan Peek Guat

"...it is not a good idea to hold a forum on conversion to Islam as it can create misunderstanding and tension among the society..."

How can we create misunderstanding or tension in the society by addressing the current dilemma and concern of a person prior or subsequent to a conversion into Islam ?

Don't a person supposed to know the implication of the same?

Shouldn't a person be given a chance to decide which religion he/she believes?

Don't we have our freedom of religion entrenched in our Federal Constitution?

Why a person is not allowed to leave his/her belief in a specific religion at all time and whether we as a member of the Malaysian Bar should disclose all the implications which might occur in the event of any conversion of religion?

In some religion, it seems to be a "one way ticket" as a person once converted, can't be allowed to revert to any other religion notwithstanding the rights provided in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia.

Tong Kuan Ling

The Minister was reported as having said that he was not aware of the objectives or contents of the forum.

If that was so, then why did he make the following comments:

"It is not through such open forums which can result in misunderstanding or tension.";

"In the end, it could provoke misunderstanding.";

"You are playing with small fire. We think it is our rights, but don't think in implementing our rights, others don't have their rights.".

We really don't understand what the Minister was trying to imply when he said '...don't think...others don't have their rights.'!

We are more disappointed when the Minister used words like 'playing with small fire', 'provoke misunderstanding', 'tension'...

We might now begin to wonder, who is trying to provoke?

Ding Chu Teck

"The question of religion is a very sensitive area. You are playing with small fire. We think it is one of the elements of freedom and it is our rights, but don’t think in implementing our rights, others don’t have their rights."

"I just hope those involved would apply their sanity and discretion (when discussing the matter) in order to preserve peace within the country," he added.

The man lost it I tell you. I wonder why would anyone be so afraid of discussing a matter as important as this openly and rationally? What is there to be afraid here? We Malaysians are mature enough to discuss matters in a responsible and "civilised" manner. To say otherwise insults our intelligence.

This BN government has lost the plot I tell you!

Visvanathan Murugiah

Ah, I think these umno fellas they are all fascist. they abhore debates, discussion and any form of healthy argumentations. People shall not speak, because the government always know better, and they will speak on your behalf. If you insist on speaking, they will accused you as confusing the public. what a fascist!!

Zuhaidie Akmal Bin Hasan Basri

Who advises the Home Minister. A friend pointed out to me (and indeed the Home Minister should realise) that both sides of the fence will be present. So, its not really a one sided forum hellbent on bashing the other lesser side.

The Home Minister should seriously get some good advisors and maybe some sense, if he can actually find it.

Dipendra A/L Harshad Rai