Islam elects too

Irvine Inglis (Letters, 4 September) is wrong when he says that Islam and democracy are incompatible. Indonesia, with the largest Muslim population in the world (more than 80 per cent of the country’s total), does freely elect its politicians.

The constitution gives equal rights to Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, Hindus and Buddhists (no mention is made of other religionists or aetheists). Generally, any form of religious discrimination is frowned upon and seeking to change others’ beliefs is illegal.

Malaysia, with a small Muslem majority and a large number of Christians, also has universal suffrage. However, there is discrimination against Muslims, who are penalised if they give up the religion.

John Munro

Buccleuch Street

Glasgow