I refer to the letter Non-Muslim M'sians are 'dhimmis' .

Mahdar Tahir did not paint a full picture when he described what 'dhimmis' are in his letter. From what I understand, 'dhimmis' have an inferior status in an Islamic state, socially as well as legally.

In Mahdar Tahir's own definition, 'dhimmis were allowed to practice their religion, subject to certain conditions'. This is not the case in Malaysia. It has already been agreed in our Malaysian federal constitution that people of all faiths may practise their faiths freely. One religion does not need to seek permission from another to practice its faith.

Mahdar Tahir also did not mention that 'dhimmis' are subjected to 'jizya' - a tax that is paid only by 'dhimmis'. This is obviously not the practice in Malaysia.

I would like to state that any legal or social context where one group of people is treated as inferior due to their religion is not acceptable in our multi-ethnic, multi-religious country. We are all citizens of Malaysia and we should all be treated equally.