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KUALA LUMPUR: An announcement will be made soon for stateless people to come forward and apply for citizenship, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
The interior minister said his ministry gives those without citizenship one year to register with proper documentation.
Hamzah said he will announce the mechanism on the matter soon, but urged those who have not registered to do so as soon as possible.
“We achieved our independence in 1957, but some who are 63 years old come and tell me that they still do not have citizenship.
“There is no logic in this, so I will give you one year, for all, with the proper documentation and evidence to register so that we can consider you as legal citizens,” Hamzah said in his summary during the committee stage of Budget 2021 on Monday (December 14).
He said the problem, if it lasts longer, would cause more problems in the future.
As such, the government wants to resolve the matter to ensure that deserving people obtain their citizenship.
“We do not want to politicize this issue, this is not a racial issue, it is a factual issue.
“We must understand something, we love our country, but if we only blame the officials (of the Department of National Registration), why shouldn’t we blame ourselves as well (for not taking the necessary steps to register)?” He said.
Hamzah said that people facing this dilemma can meet with their respective MPs to help solve the problem.
On reports that a Malaysian-based group was planning a terrorist attack in India, allegedly linked to preacher Dr. Zakir Naik, the interior minister said that the police will cooperate with all overseas enforcement agencies.
“If there is something they need, they will surely notify it officially.
“So far, there is no official report from them.
“Once we receive it, we will make sure the necessary action is taken,” he said.
Earlier, Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) had asked the Home Office to declare the measures taken after reports that a Malaysia-based group was planning a terrorist attack in India.
The report linked controversial preacher Dr. Zakir and the Rohingya refugees here to the alleged terrorist attack.
“I ask for an explanation on this matter and on the role of Dr. Zakir in this incident. Is the Perikatan Nasional government taking this issue seriously? he asked during the discussions.
The assignment for the Ministry of the Interior was approved by a simple voice vote.
Previously, the appropriations for the Ministry of Defense were also approved by oral vote.
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