Open discussions, forums and dialogues on religious should be encouraged and not stopped, said a prominent academician who teaches Islamic studies.

Professor Osman Bakar of the International Islamic University said it is vital to discuss such topics as Article 11 (freedom of religion in the Federal Constitution) in order to find common ground.

"With regard to Article 11, the people who defend this should not only focus on this article but also the whole of the Federal Constitution," he said at a lecture on 'Religion and Ethnic Relations' in Kuala Lumpur last Thursday.

The 50 participants comprised students, members of the public and journalists. The talk was organised by Youth for Change as part of its 'alternative course' on ethnic relations, following the higher education ministry's move to make this a compulsory subject in public universities.

Osman said proponents of Article 11 and Muslims opposed to such discussion should search for fairness in order to reach agreement on the issues involved.

"They can discuss it (Article 11), no problem, but they should not cause public unrest. It should be a peaceful discussion between the two parties," he said.

Importance of interaction

He also noted that the word murtad has been defined as 'betrayers of Islam' because the majority of Muslims believe that they are prohibited from leaving the religion.

"Their view is that Muslims who 'go in and out' of Islam should face the death penalty once they decide to leave the religion. However, there is nothing in the Quran about using force against anyone leaving the religion."

Osman stressed the importance of interaction between different ethnic groups to achieve better understanding.

"It is essential for them to share and strengthen similar values in order to achieve the ultimate goal of national unity. This is also the key in learning to respect differences," he added.