I refer to the malaysiakini report Transsexual alleges assault by religious officials .

If it is true that there are 20,000 to 30,000 transsexuals in the country; and if it is true that the local religious authorities have virtually manhandled a transsexual as reported in the case of 'Ayu'; and if it is true that such similar instances in the past have not been investigated in fairness - then it is not farfetched to say that the nation is facing a serious issue.

Our leaders are totally incapable of addressing the concerns that reflect the spirit of a nation that claims to be very close to achieving developed status.

Where have our sense of humanity and respect for creation gone to? Not only do we discriminate along racial, religious and economic parameters, we now seem to show that we are even more cobwebbed in our minds.

The authorities need to do some soul-searching and ask themselves informed and inspired questions. Are transsexuals not humans? Were they not borne of flesh and blood? Or are they demons in the disguise of human flesh?

It is really very sad to see how we Malaysians continue to frolic in the shadow of narrow mindedness, steeped prejudices and yet proclaim to be the champions of morality and belief systems.