Party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who stated that the party was “extremely upset at the protesters' actions” which resulted in the event having to be wrapped up early, said the forum should be respected by everyone as the council had conducted it in a rational and peaceful manner.

“This forum never intended to question the special position of the Malays or Islam as the religion of the federation as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said, adding: “Never once were the organisers, speakers or registered guests critical of Islam”.

He was commenting on the unruly behaviour of protesters which caused the abrupt end to the council's forum Conversion to Islam: Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution, Subashini and Shamala Revisited.

Noting that the speakers included the families affected and lawyers concerned, he said: “The forum should have been viewed objectively rather than emotionally.”

He also urged the Government to reach an amicable solution to safeguard the rights of non-converting family members and resolve problems that arose when a non-Muslim converted to Islam.

Ong said that enough space should be given to discuss the conversion issues.

He said concerns regarding non-Muslims embracing Islam had affected the rights of non-Muslims and created uneasiness among the people.

MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat said that the abrupt end to the forum was an embarrassment.

“We can disagree with other people’s views but we cannot disallow others from voicing out their views. Moreover, physical force must never be deployed to cause an objective discussion to cease.

“We have adequate laws to address any sensitive issue that could incite or create racial problems in the country.”

MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the forum was held at the council's headquarters, so there was no need for public demonstrations.

“It is regrettable that threats were made against the organisers to stop the forum from continuing.”

He urged the public not to stop or stifle any dialogue from being conducted where people could learn from each other.

Party publicity bureau chief Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said he was disappointed that the matter had not been resolved after the many promises and discussions. There seemed to be no interest by the Government to resolve the matter.”

Meanwhile, five women’s groups called on the Government to act against mob rule and to allow citizens more democratic space for open dialogue.

“Open dialogue and discussion in a peaceful, informative and sincere manner will aid in establishing deeper understanding among the rakyat,” said JAG – the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality –comprising the Women’s Aid Organisation, Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor, Women’s Centre for Change Penang, All Women’s Action Society and Sisters in Islam in a statement yesterday.