"I will not be deterred," said lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar in response to the leaflets calling for his death in connection to his role in an apostasy case.

The Human Rights Society of Malaysia (Hakam) president said though he feared for his safety, the death threats will not stop him "from what I believe is a correct (constitutional) position, from what I've been doing and from what I believe are my professional duties as a lawyer."

"The flyer was a direct attack and threat of violence against me, an attack on my function as a lawyer and the independence of power and opinion, through undemocratic means," he added when contacted.

Malik said he lodged a report with the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters after a brief meeting with Deputy Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan this afternoon.

"I am troubled by this because of the possible consequences. Things like this can very likely get out of hand," he said.

Death threats against him have circulated in leaflets, short messaging system (SMS), and e-mails for his work, which has been viewed by certain quarters as being 'supportive' of apostasy.

In one e-mail forwarded to malaysiakini, 'Wanted: Dead' was written in large typeface above a photograph of Malik, who is described as 'the traitor-lawyer' supporting the case of Malay Christian convert Lina Joy.

"Spread (this) to our brothers so that they recognise this traitor. If he is found dead by the roadside, let him be. Do not help!" read the message in Bahasa Malaysia.

Malik said he came to know of the death threats last Thursday when e-mails containing the threats were brought to his attention.

Threats condemned

Malik has borne the antagonism of many Muslim groups for his involvement in the Article 11 coalition, which is pressing for greater freedom for religion but is often accused of touching upon Muslim sensitivities.

He has also held watching brief for the Bar Council in the appeal by Joy against the decision by the National Registration Department to refuse to delete the word 'Islam' from her identity card.

The death threats were highlighted last Saturday by Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) president Yusri Mohamad.

Yusri has condemned it as violating both Islamic and national laws and the use of force, mockery, rude words and death threats has no place in a civilised society.
Various other groups today unanimously condemned the death threats.

Malik said further that he felt saddened by the fact that certain groups "feel the need to resort to these kinds of measures," and regards it as an insult to the democratic state of the country.

"This points to a break down of essential communication. I am sad that after 50 years have gone by things would lead to this. It is an insult to our country, to our democratic state and to our leadership," said Malik.