I am writing to this column for the second time in my life because I was disturbed by some points raised by Dr Syed Alwi Ahmad.

Firstly, I am disturbed by his assertion that Malaysia is a Muslim country, without giving much thought to the other races. But this is not what disturbs me the most.

It is his second point that worries me the most. He wrote that Umno's decision to share power with non-Muslim parties in BN was generous since the economy is dominated by non-Muslims.

Does he mean that if non-Muslims dominate the economy, they should not have political representation? If this was what he meant, then can we expect Muslims to give up the political power to the non-Muslims when they dominate the economy?

I believe in the principles of social re-engineering or affirmative action for ethnic Malays, but not the implementation of the New Economic Policy. There is much to be said about its flaws, but I have grown up numb to its flaws. I believe Malaysia can achieve great heights, but o­nly if all the racial discrimination, finger pointing and power struggle magically stopped.

I am uncomfortable with Malaysia's Muslim character, and according to Dr Syed Alwi, I would therefore have to do some serious soul searching. After thinking about it for a few minutes, I think non-Muslims in Malaysia ought to sue the colonial British government for importing migrant races here and not kicking them back to their respective homelands at the end of the contract.

I would then have to desecrate the graves of my forefathers for making this country their home, for working hard and contributing to this country instead of going home or another place that accept and treat immigrants better.

It also means that I have to work hard, save my money and move out of this country because I am uncomfortable at how the certain figures are using Islam and their puritan views to encroach o­nto my personal space.

If I was unpatriotic, I would do just that - leave. But I call Malaysia my home. I have high hopes for this country, but sadly, I am treated as a higher class of migrant workers, who have to pay taxes and not have much say politically.

This country's minority has to bow to a majority that wants to dominate all sectors and way of life. So much for democracy and the right to be heard. This is my point of view but I would gladly listen to anyone who can tell me that I am wrong. I would be glad to get rid of my pessimistic views.