I refer to the letter Consider whipping, higher fine for errant smokers.

I do agree with Dr Hsu Dar Ren that our legislators should think of legislating a law to make it mandatory for anyone planning to disown his/her religion to go into another to inform his/her spouse. This will not only prevent heartaches and wasteful court appearances, but also stop racially or religiously volatile situations which could be harmful to our plural society.

Yes, by all means push for such a legislation. Personally, I feel that those wishing to convert to another faith must first get the permission of family members. Otherwise, getting converted secretly is like entering another man's house covertly and then leaving through the back door, hoping that the man of the house would not find out.

But then again, will the enactment of such a law prevent misunderstanding or confusion? There is no guarantee.

I think the onus is on the immediately family members to intervene and prevent their spouses or children from converting. For example, if a Hindu man wishes to convert to Islam, his family members should advise him on the pros and cons.

Those trying to convert him have no legal right to stop his family members from advising him not to go ahead with the conversion. His family has every right to stop him. It is pointless to go after him once he has been converted.

But if after all the counselling and advice, he still wishes to disown his religion, then it's his choice. No one, and I repeat, no one should stop him from making up his mind after he has been counselled or advised.