When a case like Lina Joy's surfaces, there's bound to be stiffled opinions in the mainstream media unless it was one that supports the dismissal of her case. I haven't honestly noticed if our local media has publicised the truth about what this case would mean to Malaysian history, but this article I read today, "Malaysia braces for ruling on Islam conversion" speaks out the truth behind what could happen.

"It's political dynamite. It will create instability," Abdul Razak said. "For decades, the position of Malays and Muslims have been guaranteed. It will open the floodgates. Now you see Malays are going to convert and the government sanctions that. Definitely there will be a huge backlash and PAS is going to town with it."

Will this be the reason the courts will be forced to rule against Lina? Merely to protect the so-called peace and harmony we're enjoying? That's only going to keep us in a constant state of denial. Why not deal with it instead of continuously supressing the intellect and choices of the people?

It is with admiration I have for her that she's fighting for freedom and her constitutional right. But which constitutional right? The one that deems her a muslim and subject to Syariah laws? Or the one that deems her a Malaysian citizen and subject to the general constitution?

All the more despite this confusion, Lina's clearly also fighting for the new found religion which she's embraced makes her already a martyr for Catholicism. How many of us can actually admit to wanting to challenge the lack of religious freedom this country has? Like the article said, many would just emigrate or quietly practice their new religions, or become self-declared free thinkers.

Regardless of Lina's win or loss, I believe she's a winner already with her courage and in defending her rights. And I pray that this is only just the beginning of Malaysians courageousness to fight against the loopholes of our double judiciary system. Will this be a new step of to conscious freedom for everyone? Or will freedom of religion in Malaysia remain a state of mind?

"If they rule against Lina Joy, the whole question of religious liberty -- the freedom of conscience, choice, expression and thought of an individual -- will be greatly affected"

It will indeed. And the country's non-muslim population along with the silent "apostates" will just have to continue living disillusioned with their homeland.