I refer to the letter Islam the main thrust for all national schools? and the Malaysiakini report Police reports lodged against 'racist' teacher.

I totally agree with the writer of the letter. When I went to school there used to be only Islamic Studies and Moral Studies each which ran for about 30 minutes equally. However now, when my nieces and nephews go to school there are more than one Islamic Studies subject.

We are not complaining on the issue of Islamic subjects being conducted in school but what we are saying is that there should some balance in what is taught to the students especially when there is a multi-racial mix in a school.

The term sekolah kebangsaan has been in use for a long time. However, over the past five to six years, the term has come to mean pursuing an Islamic-based educational ground. Many non- Muslim students are forced to waste their time or do their so-called ‘own thing’ during the time Muslim students go for their Islamic classes.

Are we sending our children to school to waste their time while Muslim students are being educated on their religion?

Further to this, it is also important to highlight that the final year examinations for school have been fixed for immediately after the festive season.

I refer to Deepavalli and regret to say that most schools in the Klang Valley will be conducting their final year examinations for this year just only a day after the Deepavalli festival.

My cousins and nephews are feeling pressured because they will not be able to enjoy themselves during the festive season. This year, Deepavalli will be falling on Oct 27 which is a Monday and the schools exams are scheduled for Oct 28 onwards.

What are the education ministry and schools thinking? Do they think that Indian students deserve to be the scapegoat? Do they not think that Indian students deserve to enjoy their one and only festival?

We as Indians only get a one-day public holiday for Deepavalli and now our children need to sit for their final exams the very next day. Hari Raya Puasa is also falling in the same month as Deepavalli, so why are the exam dates only after Deepavalli?

Are we now a multi-racial country or are we a country which thinks that the non-Muslims deserves to suffer for the well-being of the Muslim citizens? We are not saying that the exams should be held after Hari Raya or even the Chinese New Year but what we are saying is that there should be a balance in selecting the examination dates.

I guess there are about three weeks between of Hari Raya and Deepavali which means that the schools could have their exams during this three weeks or in November. Do not to deprive the rights and feelings of Indian students by having the final exams just a day after their festival.

Will our prayers equal rights for all citizens of Malaysia. be answered by the government?