Kedah Gerakan youth chief Tan Ken Liang applauded Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohamed Nazri Aziz’s statement on Saturday, for recognising the rights and status of local Siamese in the country.

NONE Tan ( right ), in a statement yesterday, also called on the government to consider categorising all Malaysians as bumiputera in the near future, without regard to their ancestors’ country of origin.

He said this is especially important for non-Malays who are born in Malaysia, or whose parents and grandparents are Malaysians.

“Many Malaysian families, such as Chinese and Indians, have lived in the country for more than 100 years and contributed to the country’s development,” he said.

Tan said this recognition of the non-Malays’ status will truly reflect the spirit of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s 1Malaysia concept.

hindraf british petition rally 251107 malaysian flags The move will also reflect the BN government’s recognition of non-Malay contribution to the country’s development.

On June 12, Nazri announced that some 60,000 Siamese in the peninsula, who are categorised as bumiputeras , enjoy special rights like the Malays.

He urged all quarters to understand the citizenship status of the Siamese and recognise their bumiputera rights.