Rockstar's letter on the need to issue a public apology to Nepalese worker Mangal Bahadhur Gurung who was wrongly jailed and whipped for an immigration offence he did not commit is quite right.

Unfortunately, in Malaysia, there is very little respect for the individual a condition which forms the very basis of human rights. I would even say that this lack of respect for the individual regardless of his social position in society pervades all of Asia.

It is hard to understand why but perhaps our deep respect for authority and those in position causes us to reverse our respect for those who are lowly and without authority or social status. But to discover the rationale behind this class system is not the intention of my letter.

I write to confirm that this sickening habit of showing disrespect is so obvious among the law enforcement and immigration officers of our country. Would they speak in the same tone and manner if a cabinet minister or the prime minister was before them?

Then again, the police blindfolded and beat to a pulp the former deputy prime minister of Malaysia who fell from grace and power. So where is Mangal in the social food chain? Pretty much at the bottom, I suspect.

Shame. Only one word to describe the authorities who have wronged this man. Shame on all who subconsciously look upon the social status and skin colour of an individual to determine his worth in life.

Mangal's case is a shame upon all Malaysians.