CITIZENS ISSUED WITH WRONG ICs WILL BE GIVEN PROPER MYKADS

The government assures that genuine Malaysian citizens issued with the wrong type of identity cards (ICs) will be given the proper MyKads. Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the government was serious in resolving the problem and would certainly help those who have been “denied” of their citizenship.

“I told the cabinet yesterday that whatever problem the people face in getting identity cards or citizenship will be addressed immediately. This is our country. Let us solve it together. Do not create anger and confusion using these cases but give us a chance to rectify it,” he told reporters during a press conference at the National Registration Department (NRD) office here yesterday.

On the case of Yong Lee Hua, 78, who was issued a red IC after losing the card despite being a Malaysian and a Sino-Kadazan, Hamid said there was no sinister motive involved. According to him, it was a mistake that happened during the application process due to a similar coding system in Sabah when issuing ICs for citizens and permanent residents.

“After conducting a thorough check and revision it was found that she has a genuine record of residing in Sabah. On its part, the NRD will reissue her IC,” he said. Hamid said when applying for citizenship or permanent residence (PR) the problem was some people were not clear on the requirements for eligibility.

However, he admitted that the method for determining whether a person was eligible or not for PR had flaws too. Individuals who have resided in the country for over 10 years are eligible to apply for PR but may not necessarily be granted it, he explained.

On the recent case of two Sabahans who were “deprived” of their citizenship just because they born abroad despite having Malaysian parents, he said it could have been avoided if the parents had registered the birth of their children with the Malaysian embassy of that country.

“If Malaysian parents bear children in other countries they must register the birth of their children with the Malaysian embassy or commission office in those countries so that they can get automatic right to citizenship,” he said.

Nevertheless, Hamid said the government allowed late registration for Malaysians who were not aware of such a requirement for children born abroad. He said registering a birth in a foreign country did not mean the child would be a foreigner.

Meanwhile, on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s decision not to defend his Umno presidency in March next year, Hamid said it was a good and wise decision.

“He feels that it is right for him to go and leave the post to his deputy. I am sure he took into account all matters before making the decision. “I think it is a well thought decision and we should respect him for what he has done. Three months will enable him to wrap up his duties,” he said.