Now, the Cabinet tells us that only Muslims will be subjected to the inclusion of religion in their identity cards (ICs). Non-Muslims, however, would be excluded from the requirements. Why so?

Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi says that various non-Muslim parties and the public were not in favour while the Islamic religious departments felt that this was necessary based on their previous experience in relation to problems such as the claiming of bodies and Muslims visiting casinos or eating during the fasting month.

The Cabinet misses the point. First, a decision must never be made on the basis of "who desires what". Surely the Cabinet has not been making decisions on the basis of what a particular department, a particular crony, a particular minister, or even Dr Mahathir desires. Or has it?

The basis for making a decision must be the common interests of the entire society and the overall long-term good of the nation, in this case, the creation of a Bangsa Malaysia (Malaysian race). This is why there must be consultation. No one cabinet minister, not even Mahathir, let alone officers of a particular department can be all-knowing and all-seeing.

Second, by including religion in our ICs, whether only for Muslims or for all, one simply reinforces the divisions in our society. Just listen to the language that is being used to discuss the decision. It will only include Muslims; non-Muslims to be excluded. Note: one ruling for half of Malaysians; and another for the other half. The use of divisive language of separate laws for one people is completely at odds with the goal of creating a Bangsa Malaysia. The issue is not about non-Muslim fears that they might be discriminated by government officials. It is about the far more dangerous, negative long term repercussions of dividing society into two distinct groups.