I refer to the Malaysiakini report 'Spies' on look-out for non-fasting Muslims.

I share, with some trepidation, the sentiments of the writer. I use the words 'with trepidation' because I'm a non-Muslim. As a non-Muslim, I have always learnt to choose my words carefully when commenting on anything concerning Islam.

Yes, there appears to be a lot of compulsion in the way Islam is practised in this country. While travelling in Indonesia on business, my Muslim colleagues would often keep us company in the restaurant while we have our lunch during Ramadan. I use the words, 'keep us company' because that is precisely what they do. They do not eat or drink since they are fasting.

And what is even more impressive is that no one can tell whether an Indonesian is a Muslim or non-Muslim. Therefore, when they fast, it is entirely voluntary. The Indonesian authorities will not catch anyone for eating during Ramadan.

I told my Indonesian friends that in Malaysia, Muslims can be caught for not fasting during Ramadan. One of them told me (a bit tartly, I thought) that he is fasting for love of God, not for fear of men. I then hasten to add that Muslims are arrested only if they eat in public during Ramadan. They all laughed at me.

When I told them, Muslims in Malaysia would not even dare sit in restaurants at lunch time during Ramadan (unlike my Indonesian friends) just in case some people may think that they are not fasting, they laughed even harder. Some day, perhaps I'll find out what's so funny.