I have read with fascination Ooi's letter titled Uneven playing field reason behind emigration .

Ooi expresses examples of the discrimination which forces people to emigrate. Previous letters on the subject of emigration explored the financial benefits and losses, and it was concluded that emigration is good for some and bad for others. To each his own.

Yet, one potential reason for people to emigrate has been either overlooked or ignored. This reason is for religious purposes.

There have been several cases of people emigrating to the West for the sole reason that they could no longer stand the religious intolerance or indoctrination by government, either upon themselves or for their (potential) offspring.

Prosecution in the name of religion - by either government, family and neighbours - is not unheard of and it can drive people to pack up their bags and leave or ask for asylum elsewhere.

A prime example of people who should emigrate for this reason are the four Malay apostates who recently lost their appeals in the court. Emigration will ensure they are no longer prosecuted and are free at last.

Another affected party is the homosexual Malay Muslim. Homosexuality is forbidden in Islam and therefore these people are made to be something they are not. It is extremely difficult to ever find happiness without the fear of getting caught and punished.

For these people, emigration is also the best solution.