I would like to comment on misleading statements written by Arbibi Ashoy ('The compulsion to wear a veil', Aug 17). Malaysian Muslims are not forced to follow what Saudi Arabian Muslims do, it just so happens that Muslims in both countries adopt the same branch of Islam, Sunnah-wal-jamaah, as opposed to Shiah which is adopted by only Iran and Iraq.

Anyway, with regard to the wearing of a veil or headscarf by women, there is no difference between these two branches of Islam.

If Arbibi feels that wearing a headscarf is a matter of choice for Muslims, should he feel Muslims should also have a choice in drinking liquor or not praying or fasting?

These matters have been mutually decided by Muslim scholars all over the world. You can choose not to follow what the scholars say but then do not expect to get any respect as a Muslim by Muslims.