LETTER | Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki's recent response to a parliamentary question on atheism in Malaysia is alarming and should be of concern to all, particularly those who do not profess to belong to any particular organised religion.

His claim that atheism is a "very dangerous" ideology that is both unconstitutional and criminal in nature, is baseless, unsupported by any facts or argument, and irrational. It implies that people in this country must belong to a religion or face possible prosecution.

The selective interpretation of the Federal Constitution that it only guarantees the freedom to worship but not the freedom to not believe is to encourage religious tyranny in Malaysia.

It is also disappointing that Asyraf (photo) saw fit to threaten the use of syariah and civil laws, as well as national security instruments, such as the Sedition Act 1948, against those who are atheist.

Atheists, by and large, conduct their lives in a manner that is ethical, not out of fear or reward-seeking but because they are upholding their own principles and have empathy for others. They accept the diversity of opinion, and they are unafraid to debate.

In general, atheists want to be left alone and not have religious belief forced onto them. They should be treated no different than those who belong to a particular religion.

Bebas calls for the deputy minister to stop demonising minorities and spreading misinformation. He should open his doors to dialogue and be better informed on the subject.

Atheists are not a threat. They are your family members, nurses and doctors, teachers, colleagues and neighbours. They should have the right to believe what they feel is best for them.

After all, there should be no compulsion in religion.

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