KUCHING: The issuance of temporary cards to stateless individuals is very necessary to facilitate access to education and welfare rights.
Bill Jugah, founder of the Independent Council of Natives (ICON), co-founder of Dayak Rights Action Force (DRAF) and current Chairman of Sarawak Dayak Iban Association Rajang Branch (SADIA) said he has been propagating for Sarawak to have its own card, not a temporary one.
“We cannot deny any human being the right to live and that’s why I’ve been pushing for the issuance of the temporary cards.
“But having taken these issues into consideration, the relationship between the Borneo territories and Malaya, the issuance of temporary cards will need to go through the approval process in Putrajaya (under the Home Ministry),” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
Bill who has been involved with 1000 cases concerning stateless issues said there are layers of problems on this issue alone and the issue is very prevalent among the women and children affected.
Another social activist and President of Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS) Manjeet Sidhu said she has been approached by many individuals and families, for having issues with no rights to education and healthcare just because of being stateless.
“With the implementation of the temporary card provided to them, they have basic equal rights as Sarawakians, at least until full citizenship is granted.
“I believe the government itself should play its part by making the process less hassle as long as the requirements are fulfilled.
“These documents should be released at the soonest, not take months, as that will not serve its purpose.
“We are supposed to help these underprivileged people and make their lives easier.
“By having this right, they are given the equal privilege such as to travel, to own a driver’s licence, open bank accounts, contribute to society in many ways, these children could even be our next future leaders.
“Education is a very important foundation and this is one of the ways they can bring their families out of poverty,” she said.
Manjeet put her utmost trust in the Premier of Sarawak and believed he is the best man to help Sarawakians.
“At the end of the day, I’m sure he is well aware of the problems and the needs of these underprivileged people” she added.
