I wish to write in support of Dr Patricia Martinez who was recently attacked on her reputation as an Islamic scholar. It is a pity that there are not many more Malaysians, including Muslims, individuals or groups who care to come out publicly in support of her.

It is not a surprise that even Universiti Malaya chooses to keep silent, possibly due to the culture of fear or self-censorship. From what we know of the current climate of suppression of speech in campuses, we should not be surprised if Martinez has been directed to stay low.

I was at the forum, 'Is Malaysia an Islamic State?' at St Francis Xavier's church in Petaling Jaya on Friday. I dare say that Martinez would have delivered a better talk on the Islamic state than one or two of the invited Muslim male speakers. This is because Martinez is ably qualified through training and experience. She unfortunately was chairing the event.

It smacks of misogyny when women who talk on Islam or women scholars talking on Islam are always berated by mostly male commentators. These commentators may themselves not even have the equivalent of qualifications of the women they chose to berate.

There is no place for misogyny in our society.

It is a wonder that Malays and Muslims do not really care to investigate the credentials of males when they give talks or sermons in Islam. He needs only to look religious, by donning a songkok or kopiah, a jubah and sporting a goatee or beard. How many of them are fluent in classical Arabic by the way, Yamin Cheng (Of Islamic studies and Islamic states', Jan 4)?

Memorising the surah and translations without needing to understand Arabic as a language is not unusual for non-native Arab speakers and Muslims.

If a lack of proficiency in classical Arabic does not affect male credibility, why is it expected of women?

We have among us, scholars who are learned in classical Arabic who have translated, interpreted the classical works in relation to kalam and whatever else. This makes classical texts accessible to all as it should be if Islam is to be understood globally or if a civilisational dialogue is to succeed.

We need to get over that Arab-centric mindset and learn not to be defensive.