I refer to the letter Accept your fate of being a dhimmi by Malaysian Dhimmi. In his letter, the writer stated that Malaysians who belong to faiths other than Islam have only two choices, accept the fact that we are 'dhimmis' or migrate.

I have to disagree with the writer. For bumiputera non-Muslims who make up the majority in East Malaysia, we have a third choice. That is to reject the federal government if it attempts to make 'dhimmitude' official.

Please bear in mind the Malaysia Agreement which was a prerequisite for the formation of Malaysia. In this agreement, it was clearly stated that the Borneo states, namely Sabah and Sarawak shall not be Islamic states. Even Article 11(4) of the Federal Constitution which restricts propagation of non-Muslim faiths among Muslims is not applicable to these states.

In his letter, the writer also mentioned that the silent Muslim majority are also with the vocal Muslims such as Badai and Pembela. I am not sure how true this is. Many of my Muslim friends including some local politicians are against the setting up of an Islamic state. Some of them have even openly spoken up for religious freedom during speeches in 'kampungs'. The kind of religious freedom which is taboo in West Malaysia.

Unless some irresponsible politicians want to disintegrate Malaysia by reneging on the Malaysia Agreement, then I do not see this country becoming an Islamic state to an extent that non-Muslims are considered 'dhimmis'. After all, the Borneo natives are a proud people. The Dayaks and Kadazandusuns will fiercely guard their position in an increasingly intolerant Malaysia.

As for the writer who calls himself Malaysian Dhimmi, if he feels so bad about living in West Malaysia, I would like to invite him to come and live in East Malaysia among the non-Muslim natives. This would certainly give him a completely different picture of Malaysia.