Pope John Paul called on the world's one billion Catholics to fast on Dec 14 in solidarity with Muslims. He declared the day of fast to coincide with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Although this is not the first time that the Pope has exhorted Catholics to fast together with Muslims, his declaration this year is very significant. Events over the past few months necessitate that call for greater religious tolerance and understanding among men.

For example, there are some Islamic groups who perceive the on-going war against terrorism as a war against Islam. It therefore becomes increasingly vital for non-Muslims to appreciate and have a deeper understanding of certain precepts of Islam which sometimes may seem unfathomable to them.

Unfortunately, Malaysia is not spared of this "religious agony" which is being debated on the international scene.

When Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's declared in September that Malaysia is an Islamic state, I share the relief of many non-Muslims in the country that it is indeed so although there are some who vehemently oppose the declaration.

After all, non-Muslims had "survived" well after 44 years as an independent, democratic nation and as an Islamic state.

Honestly, I have not heard of any major complaint from my fellow Sarawakians, the majority of whom are non-Muslims, of any religious persecution in the state under an Islamic Malaysia that was formed in 1963.

I am happy because at least, this is one Islamic state which I know and am familiar with compared to the Islamic state so frequently espoused by a certain opposition party which I know little or nothing of. As the expression goes, non-Muslims in Malaysia would certainly prefer to live under and work with "the devil you know than the devil you don't know,".

Needless to say, the government must give full freedom for the practice of non-Muslim religions. It is necessary to enforce the secular nature of the constitution, which emphasises the special status of Islam and the freedom of religion of all Malaysians. No group must ever feel that they have been discriminated against religiously.

Whatever religious belief we belong to, let us all remember that the founding fathers of Malaysia had a multi-racial, multi-religious vision for the country.

Today, more than ever a multi-racial society needs to be created to help reduce racial, cultural and religious polarisation in order to build a strong and united nation which can play an important role in today's world. I believe there is provision within Islam for different communities to co-exist.

The potential is considerable for making Malaysia not only an exemplary Islamic state but also an exemplary pluralistic state in the best tradition of Islam and a human society guided by God for the well-being of all its members.

My prayer for the season is that this Hari Raya and Christmas find renewed faith and solidarity among Malaysian Muslims and Christians. May our understanding and tolerance for each other be further strengthen in the years ahead.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Merry Christmas.