I would like to personally criticise Khoo Kay Peng's published article titled No room for personal agenda behind peace efforts for making a statement with regards to Islam.

I can never understand your frustration as a non-bumi in this country and I do respect your struggle for equality. I don't totally blame you for making such a statement, as it is widely spread by the Western media. In my opinion, the main problem is that we (including myself) have been influenced by the Western way of life so much that we tend to believe that the values practised

by them is the right way forward. Is this true? (I don't have the answer to that)

I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, a little of Guns & Roses and Metalica and enjoyed watching sitcoms like Family Ties and Different Strokes (and still do) and applied most of my value system in such a way that I cannot justify myself as a full practising Muslim and this did not bother me.

The recent events have made me re-evaluate my value system and it is making me realise how much I have ignored the value system practised by Islam and how much of the liberalisation that we have been practising here in Malaysia is actually o­ne day going to backfire o­n Muslims in this country. This is o­nly my opinion, of course.

Although I can read or be influenced by other religions, I don't go around sharing my views o­n how a good Buddhist or a good Hindu should behave as I don't want to offend my friends especially when there is an international crisis at hand.

I guess I can excuse your naive behaviour nor to expect you to understand the elements of what makes Malaysia the way it is. What do you know about Islam and how Islam should be practised? Is this your personal opinion o­n how Islam should be globilised to meet international requirements?

Malaysia has been independent since 1957 and just over 40 years of existence, it is hearing almost all the voices being represented by all the races living in this country.In my opinion, we are being exploited right under our noses. Our cheap labour and admiration for discarded technologies will continue to provide the West a haven to instill their impeccable values and righteous way of life.

Our leaders today have achieved more than any of these countries will ever in terms of humanity especially in respecting others beliefs and way of life, to create a safe place for us and our children to live.

From your bombastic words of wisdom, I could o­nly feel your heightened

frustrations and your call for a greater dialogue will not gain the fulfillment of peace that we have achieved today.

I have o­ne last request, do let us keep our Malay special rights. After all, this is Malaysia and I can live here if Islamic laws are practised, but can you?