I refer to the letter by Helena Justina Moral police: Are we the next Iran? regarding the overzealous Jabatan Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan officers who raided a nightclub to detain Muslim youths.

Seeing the current state Islam is and the criticisms leveled against it especially from the non-Muslims, it is pertinent for those enforcing the Islamic law to conduct themselves in a manner that will not render Islam to ridicule.

It is also important to note that as a result of the rough and humiliating tactics of these officers, their efforts to inculcate moral values now seems to have backfired. As Justina's letter suggests, people such as her now blame Islam for this rather than the enforcement antics of those officers.

Though it is appreciated that every Tom, Dick and even Harry would like to be the vanguard for freedom among Muslims, I feel that non-Muslims should not comment on what Islam should be like and how it should accommodate a 'multi-racial' Malaysia as Justina so eloquently put it in her second-last paragraph.

She would do well to be reminded that non-Muslims lack the 'locus standi' to discuss issues pertaining to Islam. The learned amongst the Muslims should be the ones to do this. Similarly, a Muslim may not interfere with matters concerning other faiths.

On the other hand, why could these Jawi officers not conduct themselves in a manner that befits their title as religious enforcers? Based on their conduct, would you honestly think that the youths could be rehabilitated?

The Holy Qur'an in Surah An-Nahl (6:125) states: 'Invite them to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in a manner that is the best and most gracious'.

Islam was never and never will be associated with such enforcement methods such as alleged. Why could not these officers handle those Muslim youths in a way that would not attract attention? Why the humiliation? Why the rough driving? Why detain them for so long? Why deny them use of the toilet? And why the disgusting derogatory and sexist remarks? Could not these be done away with in the enforcement of their laws?

If ever the Muslims are to give good comments about Islam, it is a matter of utmost importance that they - even though in a small capacity - conduct themselves in a manner that befits the same religious values they seek to enforce.

I propose that the whole Jawi enforcement division be reviewed to ensure that stricter procedures be complied with. This way, they can avoid unnecessary complaints and legal suits regarding heavy- handedness and thus will be able to carry out their operations.

Their current ridiculous antics will only lead to Islam being further labelled as a religion that promotes nauseating behaviour.

But on the other hand, what on earth are these Muslim youths doing loitering in a place that serves liquor into the wee hours of the morning? According to one Muslim mother (I read this in a daily), she actually allows her daughter to go to that venue to 'meet a friend'.

She goes on to say that her daughter did 'nothing wrong'. But why not meet her friend elsewhere? Somewhere where liquor and other un-Islamic elements are not readily available? And why not meet them earlier?

I suggest that action be taken against those Jawi officers who exceeded their authority whilst at the same time the issuing stern warnings to the Muslim youths (especially the young ladies) for frequenting the venue involved. The excuse of just 'hangin' around' must never be accepted.

In conclusion, the non-Muslims of Malaysia must understand the line between giving comments on social issues and issues involving Islam and its laws. If in any way Islam seems to touch on matters pertaining to their religion and culture, then they would be at liberty to complain.

But if the matter concerns Islamic law, then it only involves those professing the Islamic religion and non-Muslims must not interfere.

What all those boys and girls (and their lawyers) must do now is to take Jawi to court. I pray to Allah that in the event the allegations are proven, the officers will never again take part in such an operation.