In reference to the letter Islamic state: Suhakam should conduct study , I find it sad that Malaysia has yet again proven that we are not a multicultural country but more like a country in which non-Muslims are guests. This despite the non-Muslims fair share of contribution to the development of this country.

Suhakam's Annual Report 2003 at p 285 (Appendix XX: Maklum Balas Kerajaan Berhubung Pemerhatian dan Syoy-syor Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia), as outlined in the letter above, clearly explains the government's view on our country.

A highly revised version of the 'maklum balas' should sound more like this:

'Negara Malaysia telah ditubuhkan oleh wakil rakyat Malaysia dari semua golongan etnik terbesar di Malaysia.'

'Pejabat Ketua Negara dan jawatan kerajaan dipegang oleh rakyat Malaysia'.

'Majoriti rakyat Malaysia beragama Islam dan kebanyakan unsur-unsur budaya dan sosial mereka dipengaruhi oleh budaya Malaysia.' (It's ignorant to assume that I am influenced by Islamic culture. I'll openly admit, however, that I have been influenced by the Malaysian culture.)

It's saddening and disappointing to realise that I live in a country that is finding ways to reduce my rights and privileges. The government is more interested in dividing the people along religious lines than actually thinking of ways to promote unity.

To favour one ethnic community in a multicultural country will not augur well. It is our hope that the government realises its errors and works towards unity. People should not be discriminated against based on their religion.