I am sad that children should be compelled to take part in ceremonies alien to their home culture and beliefs and also sad that parents should think that it is somehow not a worthwhile learning experience when a child is put in a position to experience something new.

I went to mission schools and convent schools when Malaya was a British colony. I remember the Lord's Prayer today and can say it without missing a single word.

We Muslim children had to attend catechism. The Sisters looked kindly on us when we made the sign of the cross at assembly and said the Lord's Prayer.

We sang hymns when the Pope died and carols at Christmas. 'The Lord is my shepherd' is my favourite hymn and 'Drummer Boy' my favourite carol.

I have remained a Muslim and am a strong believer in freedom of worship in spite of the experience (or because of it - I am not sure which). I think we have become too fragile.

We worry too much about what might damage us that we forget that learning is all about exposure and developing an understanding of our experiences.