Penang sit-in to demand blue MyKad for the stateless
In demanding recognition of stateless Malaysians, Penang Pakatan Rakyat is to organise solidarity walk to the National Registration Department (NRD) tomorrow, together with a sit-in to demand blue MyKad for them.
In demanding recognition of stateless Malaysians, Penang Pakatan Rakyat is to organise solidarity walk to the National Registration Department (NRD) tomorrow, together with a sit-in to demand blue MyKad for them.
About 50 stateless people and 200 others - members of their families, supporters and Pakatan assemblypersons - are expected to gather at Larut Road before walking the short distance to the NRD office in Anson Road.
PKR vice-president N Surendan is to lead the group.
Pantai Jerejak assemblyperson Sim Tze Tzin said PKR leaders have received appeals from stateless persons, including those with red ICs.
"It is shocking to know that these people exist in our midst, (living on) the fringes of society. They are often scared to surface because they lack documentation," he said when contacted.
Sim said tomorrow’s event is intended to raise awareness among Penangites in particular and Malaysians in general, on the plight of this marginalised community.
He urged civil society to champion their rights.
"It is also time to show the contrast between Indonesians, Filipinos and Pakistanis who have managed to obtain ‘express citizenship’, and Malaysians who have waited their entire life for a blue MyKad,” he said.
"There must be justice for these people who have served this country and contributed to nation building.”
Permanent residents waiting, too
With Malaysians increasingly marrying foreigners, Sim said a new clear policy or "a path towards citizenship" has become necessary for permanent residents.
Currently, foreign spouses find it extremely difficult to get citizenship even though they are highly educated and qualified professionals, he noted.
"Some have waited for more than 40 years, yet they remainpermanent residents," he said.
"Foreign spouses have lived and worked for decades in this country and raised their children here, so why can't they get Malaysian citizenship?”
Related stories
No documents, but Indian national got his blue IC
Light-hearted moment at Sabah RCI amidst woes
PAS veep: Uncollected MyKad, MyKid sent to Sabah?
Do we have an illegitimate gov't in power?
Report this comment
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.