I have been an ardent visitor to malaysiakini in cyberspace. I am writing this in full support of the letter written by K Agan about Indians in this country being treated the way African Americans are in the United States ([#1] Monochrome Malaysia [/#], Feb 21). I also empathise with Blackbird on the shame that she and her husband went through ([#2] Ashamed by coloured perceptions [/#], Feb 21).

But it is not only the non-Muslim Indians are being treated badly here, but the Indian Muslims, too. For one, the local joke of calling Indian Muslims mamak has long been entrenched in society.

The Indian Muslims in this country form a pillar in society as their contributions in the business and health sectors have been plentiful and visibly so. Yet to the others, the mamak will always be his roti canai seller or teh tarik supplier. I have had personal experiences at being embarrassed at people who not only spoke derogatorily to me but also to my parents and children.

Have we progressed these 40-odd years or so only to visualise that this country only belongs to a few people and that the other people who are loyal to this country are treated like foreigners despite having been here all their lives?