After reading the letter by Lee Pusan ('Secularists, too, should be more open-minded', July 31), I feel even more afraid of the very idea of an Islamic state. I have nothing against Islam or any other religion. I respect the religion of others even though I do not share their religious beliefs.

However, as a non-Muslim, I feel as though I have absolutely no rights whatsoever in even voicing an opinion as long as the issue has something to do with Islam.

Even in our present system, whenever someone says, "According to Islam, ..." that essentially means that non-Muslims should not really make any comments whatsoever. Therefore, in an Islamic state, I fear that non-Muslims will be gagged through intimidation.

As long as PAS officials take the attitude that the righteousness of Islamic edicts or truths cannot be challenged, I'm afraid that a theologic state must have inherent conflicts with democracy. Forgive me but I fail to detect any open-mindedness in the letter by Lee Pusan.