In response to Arbibi Ashoy's letter, it is sad that the ill-treatment of Muslims occur. But this does not only occur in the US. While it may be true that America has a certain bias against Middle Eastern-looking persons, I do not believe there is a planned persecution of Muslims in the US by the government there.

Ill-treatment of Muslims even occurs even in our blessed land of Malaysia. Ruled by a dominant coalition and led by an Islamic-based party, Muslims are being detained without trial for years.

Recently, a group of Muslims allegedly linked to terrorists activities and who have not seen the light of day for two years had their detention without trial extended for a further two years. The government cannot bring a case against them or prove their alleged terrorist links.

The very fact they are in detention is because the government has little or no proof of their so-called terrorist activities.

Anwar Ibrahim himself is a staunch Muslim who has been incarcerated for six years and denied bail for a bailable offense. What is more, Anwar is a sick man needing urgent medical attention.

Any normal human being, regardless of his or her religious preference, would show mercy and kindness simply because a fellow human being needs help. However, our government has chosen to remain silent for the past six years.

The new administration has also washed its hands of any responsibility and allows a fellow Muslim to suffer in pain and agony besides preventing him from being with his wife and family.

Forget the US - let's be concerned about our own crimes against humanity and Muslims. We can shout about freeing Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi but the fact remains that our very own opposition leader remains in jail, sick and needing urgent medical attention.