Kasthuri Patto, who herself was accused by a Muslim group of insulting Islam after she spoke in defence of religious freedom, said she was disappointed to see many online comments from Malaysians condemning O’Connor.

O’Connor, whose hit song “Nothing Compares 2 U” was a worldwide success in 1990, had announced that she was renouncing Catholicism.

“Religion is a personal choice, it really doesn’t affect others,” Kasthuri, the Batu Kawan MP, told FMT today.

“Considering we are a multiracial country, I find many of the comments very disappointing,” she said.

“While I believe in freedom of speech, there’s such a thing as respect and I won’t tolerate the abusive and personal attacks towards her or any religion. To me, it’s hate speech.”

Kasthuri was recently accused by a portal owned by right-wing Muslim group Malaysian Muslim Solidarity (Isma), of encouraging Muslims to leave their faith.

The portal had referred to remarks she made in the Dewan Rakyat urging Putrajaya to sign and ratify the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, which will allow for religious freedom in the country.

Kasthuri, the daughter of the late DAP leader P. Patto, said there was a proper and civil way to discuss sensitive topics.

She said society often promotes tolerance, but not understanding and respect for differences.

“To me when we promote tolerance, we’re saying tolerate something we don’t agree with. We look at how American President Donald Trump speaks, it is as if America is a country exclusively for White Christians and they have to tolerate others.

“This is the wrong mentality.”