I refer to the PUM disheartened over criticism, claims its memo was misunderstood (Feb 26).

To be honest, I have never been a fan of Dr Farish Noor or Sisters in Islam. Although they are important voices, they are too extreme and garang (fierce) in some ways. So initially, I actually sympathised with PUM.

But when I realised that Dr Patricia Martinez was included, I felt my first stirring of uneasiness. I was at the forum she moderated on the Islamic state in early January and admired the way she dealt with the difficult crowd and panelists who knew less about the Islamic state than she did, with such maturity and humility.

At one stage, she reminded the crowd, "It is important we have our Muslim brothers here with us" when the audience started to boo at one of the panelists who was talking about how relevant the ISA was, and saved my fellow Muslim's dignity.

I have been following the events since PUM issued their memorandum. They have been getting more stubborn and arrogant because until yesterday they rejected the call to hold a dialogue. Instead, they threatened to monitor and report anything and anyone they felt was "against Islam" — a not-so-subtle way of saying they will go after all those who dare to offend them.

When civil society groups and individuals came out in defence of not only the writers but also our basic rights (to reason and discuss) — mine and PUM's included — PUM issued a statement to say they were "disheartened and dismayed". It would seem they cannot take a dose of their own medicine which they force feed it on others.