When I read in the newspapers that Prime Minster Dr Mahathir Mohamad said this country was an Islamic state, I was shocked. I've lived here for 46 years and I can't believe it. I'm still in shock and I'm sure many other non-Muslims are too. They are not reacting probably it hasn't hit them on their face yet.

There is a Malay saying that when elephants fight only the ants die. This is very true with the present political situation where Umno and PAS are trying to show each other who is more Islamic.

But who gets trampled upon? Non-Muslims, and maybe some Muslims. Firstly, we non-Muslims are a non-entity in this political scenario. We would be told being non-Muslims, we don't know anything. Thus, most of us keep silent.

Secondly, we are not recognised as Malaysians, who for generations have contributed economically and spiritually to this nation. Over the centuries, the religions and cultures of South Asia, China and other nations have contributed much to the cultures and languages of the people in Southeast Asia.

Thirdly, we are denigrated to second-class citizenry — our religion, our culture and ourselves are not respected in this country. What else can be more demoralising than this? We are raped of our dignity.

This is truly a shameful, disgusting state of affairs that this country has ever achieved. I am ashamed to be Malaysian. What does this say?

This country should look into everyone's right, not only the bumiputras.