On a number of e-mail discussion lists such as bungaraya, alternatives 2004, sangkancil and beritamalaysia, an inflammatory article has appeared that is purportedly written by me, Patricia Martinez, and sent to Father OC Lim of the Catholic Research Center (CRC).

The article was sent by an address that I have never established and which fact can be verified: pmartinez1999@yahoo.com.

Neither have I ever subscribed to bungaraya, alternatives 2004, beritamalaysia or sangkancil, (but I am on the SK list, which is an information dissemination list that MGG pillai offers for those who do not have the time or inclination to participate in the general discussion list, Sang Kancil.)

I am deeply dismayed and disgusted at what this article, 'Why Malaysia is already a Christian state' attempts to do:

1. Neutralise my voice and tarnish me because I am the only non-Muslim Malaysian with a PhD in Islam

2. Cause disruption and diminish an important forum organised by the CRC which is scheduled for this Friday, Jan 4. It is the first time that PAS, DAP and a representative of Ikim will be on the same platform, discussing Islam in Malaysia.

I am only moderating the panel and was honoured by invitation to do so, as all three gentlemen — Dr Ismail Haji Ibrahim of Ikim, Dr Hassan Ali of PAS and Lim Kit Siang of DAP — are distinguished in their own right.

I am lodging a police report about this article and the mischief-makers who posted it, and hope the culprits are brought to justice. As those who know me will verify, I do not even speak in private in any terms let alone the bigotry that is in that article.

I chose to study Islam because I saw myself as a bridge-builder between the ignorance and bigotry that exist among both non-Muslims and Muslims, and as an example of those on both sides who are open, respectful and committed to living peacefully with each other.

At a recent public event on Dec 8, 2001, the Bar Council and Sisters-in-Islam panel on Islam which was organised for Human Rights Day, I began my presentation by describing how uncomfortable I was when speaking for non-Muslims and if there had to be critique, telling the audience that my position is always informed by the deep respect and affection I have for Islam, the religion I chose to study.

It is a reflection of the serious schisms that rend our beloved Malaysia, that I am made a victim of the dirty tricks of those who see profit by continuing to divide us as Malaysians, by inflaming anger, suspicion and mistrust. Or who cannot bear the idea of Malaysians ending our divisiveness by our learning about each other and then talking to each other.