Whither Religious Freedom For All Malaysians?

I am no expert on Islam but I believe one of the basic tenets is
"There is no compulsion in Islam."

The recent events that have occurred to Ayah Pin, who has already spent 11 months in jail for having been declared an apostate is quite sad for Malaysia is a secular country even though many leaders have declared it to be an Islamic country.

No one denies that the majority of the population are Muslims but the Malaysian constitution does provide for the right to practice one's own religion.

Not so for the Muslims though as some have been denied the right to renounce the Muslim faith and the Federal Courts are reluctant to grant this basic right.

What is really sad is that the so-called "deviants" were attacked by unknown persons even though at the time the village was under police observation.

The latest destruction of property is quite high-handed; with a court case pending.
Apart from the wanton destruction and harrasment of a largely peaceful community, this shows the heavy handed approach of the authorities and mars the name of Malaysia which is trying to promote moderate Islam.

It is precisely this kind of treatment that can turn peace-loving people into terrorist bombers.