If the laws have outlived their usefulness or if they are no longer applicable in our society, then petitions should be made to change them.


A Citizen: I refer to the many comments disapproving of the court decision on the Lina Joy case. While all of them have referred to the Federal Constitution on the freedom of religion (Article 11) etc, they have failed to mention that the constitution in fact gives no freedom of religion to the majority of Malay citizens.
Therefore, it is pointless to argue from that angle. Rather, the argument should concentrate on whether the decision is correct under present laws. So, were the judges' decision flawed? In what respect?

If the laws have outlived their usefulness or if they are no longer applicable in our society, then petitions should be made to change them. How about changing the constitution to give full freedom of religion to Malays, removing the present restriction? That is one for the wish list if the opposition wins the next election.

RK: I have had the opportunity of reading the judgements of both the Lordships of the apex court of the country on the Lina Joy case. They have put forth their reasons very well. A number of precedents were also elicited to corroborate their views and viewpoints.

But at the end of the day Citizen Lina Joy is not able to overcome her differences with the National Registration Department. What is the status of this citizen now? Can she continue to practice what she believes in or would she require civil service procedural safeguards all her life to determine what she is, that is to say, her rightful human dignity.

For all I know this citizen will continue to live up or live down her life in ambiguity and that would be between an institution of religion that prevents her right to belief as a human being and her faith that she has accepted towards her own salvation.

However, the most important determinant in this case is God himself and that has been challenged by a registration department officer. And it appears to me that it would remain so all her life.

Rick Rupert: As Malaysia celebrates 50 years of freedom, the ruling in the Lina Joy case shows we're not free yet.

Islam is forced on more than 50 percent of the population whether they chose it or not. And if they decide to follow their own conscience, they face ostracism, incarceration, rehabilitation and maybe even death. I know Malays who do not want to follow Islam and also have the honour of knowing a few like Lina Joy who in defiance of tyranny, have challenged the system.

One day Malaysia will truly get her freedom and on that day Lina Joy will go down in history as one of Malaysia's great heroes in her struggle for her fellow Malaysians' independence.

We love you Lina Joy! The only decision that matters is the one passed in the highest court. In that court you have been bestowed a crown of honor that will never, never fade. I am so proud of you, sister!


On Nik Aziz: Apostasy akin to army deserters

Tan Keng Heng: I was amazed after reading the above report quoting the statement from a top spiritual leader of a political party. He equates joining a faith of a certain religion to that of joining an army! If you renounce your faith in that religion, then you should be punished just like if you were to leave the army. The above analogy has two flaws.

One, the army is governed by strict rules and regulation plus punishment whist a religion of God proclaims that God is All Merciful, the Most Compassionate and All Forgiving. So how can one be punished by God for leaving a religion unless it is a human god?

Secondly, even in the army, the rules allows for leaving with proper notice otherwise you won't see people with the titles (Captain (Retired),Colonel (Rtd) etc.

As for the implications of the Lina Joy case, now you will see 'false' Muslims in our midst because labelling one as Muslim won't achieve everything. It is the conscience and faith of an individual that decides the strength of one's faith and nothing else.


On AG: Last-minute change to uphold a fair trial

Mr Maniam: Now it is the AG Abdul Gani Patail who is talking with a forked tongue like politicians. If indeed the prosecutor and the judge played badminton when a very high profile case is coming up, surely it is not only the prosecutor but more so the judge who should be changed.

A judge who does not know proper conduct cannot judge properly either. Bring back Judge KN Segara and demand that the lawyer who withdrew due to 'undue pressure' explain himself.

Between the lawyer who withdrew and this badminton judge and all these changes in prosecution and defence lawyers, we are headed for a circus - not a trial!


On But Jawi is BM!

Mister Tambourine: Whether it is right to use the Arabic writing on the sign outside our Washington DC embassy is fairly disputable.

Arabic writing was the writing originally used for the language presently, again, known as Bahasa Malaysia, which could change at the whim and fancy of our leaders at any time.

But let's get one thing clear. The language is still Bahasa Malaysia, whether Romanised or Arabic alphabet is used.

Malaysiaputra: The writer is confused. I went to national-type primary school, I was taught Bahasa Malaysia. I got a C3 in Bahasa Malaysia in my MCE but I don't read or write Jawi. The Romanised Malay is Bahasa Malaysia or the national language. In Jawi form, it may be Bahasa Melayu.

Bahasa Malaysia must be understood by all Malaysians and is the language of unity and nationhood. Jawi is definitely not Bahasa Malaysia. The Malaysian embassy in Washington is wrong to use Jawi without Bahasa Malaysia.

Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka or Wisma Putra should do something about it.


On EC aye to use of indelible ink

PT Tan: The Election Commission's plan use of ink to mark fingers of voters is but a big farce.

There is no such thing as non-erasable even tattoo's can be removed. It is just a matter of the right solvent and the amount of time it is soaked in.

What is there to prevent smart political parties form providing the solvent to its supporters on polling day? Or for its supporters to show up with a finger that is invisibly pre-coated with a chemical to prevent the ink's adhesion to the skin?

It raises more questions than answers.

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