The recent PUM (Muslim Scholars Association of Malaysia) complaints against certain writers and PAS comments on the proposed National Ulama Council are ample proof why separation of state and religion in Malaysia is a necessity as is the reality that Islam is the religion of the federation.

Strong Islamic advocates in this country need to accept that regardless of the contradictions, mixing religion and politics is simply a bad idea. This does not mean that Malaysia cannot have strong Islamic influence in the government and people but the reality is that those influences must be without direct state power.

It must be the result of merit of the religious principles and teachings in open debate. In other words, the people should also have a say in religious matters. By all means, let the ulama (Muslim scholar) teach and propagate the teachings through the modern media but make them be constantly challenged for their relevancy too.

In my view, there are contradictions in the modern statehood and the traditions of Islam especially in today's multi-cultural context. This does not mean that there are contradictions in Islamic teachings — merely that the interpretations may need review even if those traditions were practised by the Prophet himself. This include the practice of polygamy and other extreme punishments under Syariah laws. Most religions have adapted for the modern world and Islam should not be an exception.

To believe in the total universality of an ideology or principle is to be blind to the realities of life on earth. Separation of power of strong ideologies including separation of executive and legislative, monetary and fiscal powers, management and shareholder, are necessary practicalities of modern and prudent government and management.

It is clear that the majority of Malaysians including most Muslims in this country do not want a pure Islamic state. It is only their desire to be good Muslims that is being exploited to believe that in order for them to be good Muslims, they have to accept an Islamic state.

It is high time the ulama and the Islamic politicians accept that Malaysian Muslims are sophisticated people clearly capable of making the right choices in religious and state matters and do not need some "expert" and "council" to tell them what works and what will not work.