We refer to the malaysiakini report Malicious SMS - ISA the last resort .

Sisters in Islam wishes to highlight the impact of the scare-mongering tactics by some sectors of society. The Perak mufti should have learned from past experiences the danger of disseminating unverified information especially regarding contentious issues such as apostasy.

If the mufti had the tiniest of doubts about the authenticity and validity of the woman's claims, he should have kept the information to himself and submitted the information only to the police for further investigation. He should not have disseminated the unverified outrageous claims to other Muslim NGOs in a mosque.

He should, in fact, remind Muslims that the Qur'an in surah An-Nur (24:11) strongly warns against the raising and spreading of rumours and malicious scandals.

This is not the first time the mufti has made careless statements and allegations. Some of his highly controversial statements highlighted in the media were:

• 21 April 2005 - called for HIV/Aids and bird flu carriers be isolated on an island to ensure they do not infect others.

As one of the Muslim leaders in Malaysia, the Perak mufti should be conscious against any act that can sow disunity and ill-will amongst the multi-religious communities in Malaysia.

Again, we urge the authorities to take this matter very seriously before it becomes the undoing of a nation that has strived to provide a space for all Malaysians.

Sisters in Islam also regrets the statements issued by the inspector-general of police and the deputy internal security minister on the possible use of the ISA against those responsible for disseminating inciteful SMSes.

As part of the Gabungan Mansuhkan ISA (Anti-ISA Movement), SIS calls for the repeal of the draconian Act which provides for detention without trial. More important is the need for the authorities to foster rational, informed and civil public engagement on contentious issues of national interest.

The writer is programme manager, Sisters in Islam.