LETTER | For many Muslim countries abroad, Malaysia is a model of an ideal multi-religious society.

However, living with minorities also means respecting the freedom of religious minorities.

Therefore, the recent news about the drafting of new laws to regulate non-Muslim religions is alarming as it can lead to new laws, policies, and frameworks that can erode non-Muslims rights further.

We live in a multi-cultural, multi-religious society in which mutual respect is necessary.

An overzealous attitude to prove one's piousness may lead to puritanism and hatred of other religions, both of which are dangerous to Malaysian civil society.

Instead of promulgating laws seeking to curb the freedom of religious minorities, our government should seek to enhance the protection of religious minorities in this land.

Given population trends, non-Muslims will continue to diminish as a percentage of the total population, and may eventually not have any voice in Parliament.

Muslim communities living in Western countries often call for moderation and acceptance of Islam.

Likewise, the freedom of religious minorities in this country must also be upheld.

It would be foolish to destroy the delicate balance between religions that we have built up in Malaysia.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.