SIBU: The Sarawak government has been called upon to address the issue of approved citizenship applications by granting recipients the K-indicator.
Former Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang said that the Home Ministry has already approved 1,500 citizenship applications in Sarawak.
Chang shared a heartwarming story of a young man she had assisted in obtaining Malaysian citizenship. The individual, abandoned by his biological mother at birth and subsequently adopted by a Sarawak couple, had faced statelessness due to the unknown identity of his biological mother.
Her legal team successfully facilitated his registration as a Malaysian citizen, and he received his citizenship certification and MyKad on Feb 27.
“When I asked him about his plans for the future, he expressed gratitude for being able to continue his education despite his previous stateless status, thanks to the support he received,” Chang said in a press statement yesterday.
Chang, who is also a lawyer, explained that the young man had just completed his education when he obtained his citizenship certificate, prompting him to seek employment.
However, she expressed her disappointment upon discovering that the young man’s Malaysian identity card did not include the K-indicator. The K-indicator is a recognition given to Sarawakians, signifying that the Sarawak state government acknowledges their status as Sarawakians. This indicator grants them the ability to live and work in the state without the need for additional permits or visas.
Chang revealed that the young man had received a job offer from a prestigious company, but due to the absence of the K-indicator on his MyKad, he was required to obtain a work permit. His attempts to apply for the permit were hindered by a convoluted process, placing pressure on him to seek employment in West Malaysia instead.
“The answer given to me thus far has been that despite being legally adopted by Sarawakians, these children cannot be conferred with Sarawakian status and the K-indicator on their identity cards, as the biological parents are unknown,” Chang lamented.
She further disclosed that her previous correspondence on the matter with the State Secretary in September 2021 had not elicited a response or any updates.
“With the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly currently in session, I urge the concerned minister to address the people through this esteemed House and explain the state government’s reasons for withholding the K-indicator from these successful citizen applicants, denying them recognition as true-born and bred Sarawakians,” Chang asserted.
