Jamil Spatafore Abdullah's letter has attracted the attention of many including me. I think Jamil has a very shallow understanding of "democracy" as shown by his comment: "Now if the majority of the people are Malays, through their representatives, they get to make most of the rules. That's the way it works for better or worse."

Yes, democracy may be rule through majority vote but it should be based on tolerance and understanding of all citizens rights. We have to remember too that the main essence of democracy is the "equal right" of every citizen to practise and perform his/her belief

and not to deprive the minority of its rights. The majority in a democratic context should not be the only voice but should also include individuals to voice their feelings and beliefs.

Majority in a democratic sense should not be used as a "licence" to suppress the minority but instead to protect the minority right to live equally as the rest of the citizens in the country. No one should be placed higher above the rest. Tax money should be distributed equally amongst the citizens based on their disadvantages and needs, and not be based on their race or religion as practised in Malaysia.

I believe Jamil has plenty to learn about Malaysia and its people, its culture, customs and history. Marrying a Malaysian will not make one knowledgeable about everything on Malaysia. Marrying a Malay and converted into Islam does not make one a "Melayu" as is widely believed in Malaysia. There are two parts of Malaysia, East and West. Malaysia does not belong to the Malays and the Muslims only.

Jamil, it was surely a real "shock" to hear the ex-PM announcing to the whole world that Malaysia is an Islamic nation. This statement was against the constitution and definitely was not by the consent of all the citizens. Mahathir does not have the right to announce whatever suits him just because he was the prime minister of a country, unless he thought himself as the dictator. In a democratic country, Mahathir had no right to change the constitution without the approval of the people.