I have been reading on the merits and demerits of the proposed Interfaith Commission. I see the apprehensions shown by a number of organisations especially the Islamic ones. There is fear that Islam will be diluted and will be in danger of being influenced by non-believers. These are valid arguments.

However are the religious, especially the Muslim groups, scared that their believers will be lured to change their beliefs? Isn't Malaysia covered by all kinds of laws and enactments protecting Islamic and its believers?

Are we being told that the Muslims in Malaysia are ignorant of their teachings and that they are so weak in their adherence that they will fall prey to other teachings because of the interfaith dialogues being suggested through the commission? The commission is to discuss sensitive matters within closed doors without any emotional outbursts in public.

Islam was at it golden age in Baghdad and Spain when there was dialogue between the religions. The day the dialogues died, a part of civilisation died and today there is so much of misunderstanding in the world with each party believing that the other is fit to go to Hell.

Instead of all the polemics, please give interfaith dialogues a try, starting perhaps with a small group and monitorings progress. We need not start with a commission. This will only be decided upon after all the parties are comfortable with the issues discussed and their resultant actions.