I have just read of the case of Sir Norman Frank Sisso, an elderly Australian who lived in Ipoh and had apparently been applying for permanent residency (PR) in Malaysia since 1989. On his death bed, he was in tears asking about whether his request for PR was granted.

Apparently moved, the home minister decided to give him PR but it was a bit too late. The minister claimed that Sir Norman did not submit any formal application. As I had pointed in an earlier letter , applications may possibly disappear into black holes. Now that Sir Norman has passed away, we may not be able to find out whether he had actually submitted an application, unless he had made a copy for his own record.

I hope that we do not have to wait for the Immigration Department officers and the home minister to be emotionally moved again before any legitimate application for PR be granted. The story of Sir Norman only reveals the indifferent attitude of the Immigration Department.

Some foreign spouses may have undergone much hardship and uncertainties because they could not obtain PR. In some cases, the stressful situation may lead to the breaking up of families.

How many tragic stories must be heard before the Immigration Department and the Home Ministry start to handle legitimate applications for PR seriously?