Politicians' support letter doesn't guarantee approval, says NRD

Summary

• The National Registration Department says letters of support from politicians, agencies, or NGOs may be considered in applications for identity documents, but do not guarantee approval.

• All applications undergo strict vetting and must comply with existing laws and policies.

• NRD clarified this after a 2019 support letter from Shafie Apdal surfaced, relating to a MyKas application.

Letters of support from political leaders, government agencies, and NGOs can be given consideration in applications to the National Registration Department (NRD).

However, this does not guarantee that the application will be approved.

Instead, the NRD said such applications must still go through multiple layers of close scrutiny, including vetting facts and documents, and conducting background checks.

The issuance of any identity document is subject to the laws, regulations, and policies in force.

“The NRD will not approve any application lightly, even if it comes with a letter of support from any party.

“Any letter of support, recommendation, and application from any party - including political leaders, government agencies, and NGOs - will not automatically give any guarantee of approval,” it said in a statement today.

Last Saturday, Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Sabah (KDCA) youth chief Steve Johnny Mositun reportedly called for an investigation into Warisan president Shafie Apdal, after a purported letter from the former Sabah chief minister was circulated online.

The letter was in support of an application for a temporary resident identity card (MyKas) dated April 26, 2019.

The letter asked Shafie, who was chief minister from 2018 to 2020, to help expedite the applicant’s receipt of a MyKas. On the letter was a handwritten note requesting the NRD’s attention on the matter.

The KDCA youth leader urged the NRD and Home Ministry to disclose how many applications Shafie had supported during the latter’s time in office.

MyKas for temporary residents

Meanwhile, the NRD explained that MyKas is merely an identification document for temporary residents who are born in Malaysia but whose citizenship has yet to be determined.

“MyKas holders have none of the privileges of citizenship, and must instead fulfil strict requirements before being eligible to apply for MyPR (permanent residency), and a MyKad (citizenship), depending on the duration of the residency and qualifications.

“For MyKas holders who are periodically approved every five years, they must still work to trace their roots, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution,” it said.

'How many temporary ID applications have Shafie supported?'

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