The Home Ministry today denied issuing special approvals for 'Ops IC Merah', an MIC-led programme to award citizenship to permanent residents who were born in Malaysia before Independence.

In a statement, the ministry referred to a WhatsApp message promoting the programme, which is organised in collaboration with the Special Implementation Taskforce on the Indian Community (SITF).

“On June 27, a WhatsApp message had gone viral on a programme organised by MIC Information Team, together with SITF, dubbed the 'Ops IC Merah'.

"In the message it was stated, ‘…the Home Ministry has granted special approvals to convert red ICs into blue ICs under MyDaftar, SITF…'

“We would like to inform that the statement is false. The Home Ministry has never made such a decision for the purpose of the intended programme,” said the ministry.

Blue ICs are only for Malaysian citizens; those with permanent resident status are issued red ICs.

The ministry said each citizenship application will be individually scrutinised and processed according to the Federal Constitution, relevant laws as well as applicable procedures.

“The Home Ministry regrets the statement that has been made because this matter will disrupt the safety and stability of all parties involved, and lower the credibility of the ministry in particular,” said the statement.

When contacted, MIC national information chief VS Mogan clarified that the programme is still ongoing but added that the Home Ministry would not be granting any special approvals.

“Our original message was just to inform these people with red ICs to come forward and apply for citizenship through this programme.

“Maybe along the way the message was edited,” he said.

Mogan said MIC, through the task force, has so far identified over 7,000 individuals with permanent residence status who were born before 1957.