I refer to the letter Non-Muslim Malaysians are 'dhimmis' .

It is indeed disheartening to know that this writer chooses to see us non-Muslims in this light. Our country is soon to celebrate its 50th anniversary since independence. We are all Malaysians irregardless of our race, creed or culture. After nearly 50 years of independence we still have people like Mahdar Tahir who now harps on the issue of 'dhimmi'.

This country belongs to me and to all others as much as it belongs to you. You are no superior being as much as that I am inferior or vice-versa. The simple plain truth and fact is that we are all Malaysians.

Whether we are Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists or others what is it to you to categorise us as 'dhimmis'? Religion is personal and private to each and everyone of us and that is how it should be. So do not impose your values and beliefs on me. More so this concept of 'dhimmi'.

If you are really interested in pursuing this kind of nonsense then your place should be in some backwater town in Pakistan or Afghanistan. Respect begets respect. Look at the next person as a human being and fellow Malaysian and treat him or her as a human being, with respect.

Profess whatever religion or belief you are comfortable with but never impose it on another or disrespect the beliefs others. That is the simple lesson in life. So I am no 'dhimmi'.