PENAMPANG: The Sabah National Registration Department (NRD) needs a complete overhaul, said Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.
In reference to the plight of 78-year-old Yong Lee Hua who was issued permanent resident (PR) status after losing her MyKad last year, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said the goverment could not be in denial over the matter and that the system needed to be fixed.
Dompok, who is also United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) president, said: “The government wants a first-class delivery system but it’s not working. It needs fixing, a complete revamp.
“It’s a big shame for NRD to allow a person (Yong) with citizenship and a MyKad, only to have it taken away and given a permanent resident status instead,” he told reporters at a press conference here on Monday.
What happened to Yong was unfair, said Dompok, as she owned Native Title (NT) land, was a registered voter and was born well before Malaysia was formed.
“She should rightfully be a citizen, no question about it. The government department is supposed to look at it but it’s not working,” he said.
During the press conference, Moyog Assemblyman Donald Datuk Peter Mojuntin who is also Upko’s bureau chief for citizenship and security, introduced two others who faced a similar predicament in getting their MyKads.
They are Alice Chui Pee, 52, and Stephen George.
Chui, a green identity card holder, was born in Singapore in 1956 when her parents from Papar went to work in the republic. She returned to Sabah three years later, and her parents applied for her citizenship and made numerous appeals but were unsuccessful.
Her two siblings each hold a PR status and a MyKad.
Stephen, meanwhile, holds a PR status and has applied for citizenship since 1975. The only response he received was that his application was under process and during his last check, the NRD staff told him his application was now with the police and the process might take a year.
Stephan was born in Brunei in 1956, but returned to Sabah in 1958.
Referring to the two cases, Dompok said this did not require new policies and the government policy on the matter was clear.
“The saddest part is that there are people who can walk into the country through the backdoor and still get their ICs (identity cards).
“I will take action and help, whatever it takes. I will bring it up to the Cabinet,” said Dompok.
- Bernama
written by Melly, October 07, 2008 07:26:54
written by *********, October 07, 2008 08:13:31
In Sarawak, the BN/PBB regime of Chief Minister Taib Mahmud has been on the forefront in trying to convert the Penans and other indigenous people. What makes The Scribe sick is the fact that people like Hulu Rajang MP Billy Abit, James Masing, Alfred Jabu and all the BN MP's and Assemblymen in Sarawak are doing nothing for the Penans...More http://*********.********.com/...enans.html
written by Edward C, October 07, 2008 08:15:43
We elect our representative to solve problems, not talk about problems. Has everyone forgotten what is the role of a public servant? Do you all still understand that even as a Minister, your role is a Public Servant?
Please bring up solutions to deliberate in Parliment on how to implement, don't deliberate on problems. SOLVE THEM.
written by lamakawan, October 07, 2008 08:35:11
written by avj, October 07, 2008 08:41:17
written by Beezee_Beezee, October 07, 2008 08:52:03
There are more of this kind of treatment after the Federal Government transfer their officers to east Malaysia heading the NRD department especially FT Labuan. I know for one, one of the officer him self who had more than one IC [the first blue IC before the mykad]. The same officer who also help one of the now exMP which was publicized in MT.
I hope Datuk Dompok would make this a serious case and start the ball rolling to catch those involved to task. This is not new I can see it as long as 1980 in Sabah and 1984 in FT Labuan.
written by thor, October 07, 2008 09:08:04
“I will take action and help, whatever it takes. I will bring it up to the Cabinet,†said Dompok.
Does this mean our country is being passively invaded and NOTHING is being done abt protecting its sovereignty? How can ? Wat abt our submarines won't it help fight off this invasion??
GOD SAVE OUR PEOPLE FROM THE WOLVES.
written by miwaki, October 07, 2008 09:57:24
Ministers usually do nothing as they are just happen to be ministers without knowing the working of their respective ministries.They totally depend on their DGs and ministry staff to do all the jobs,as a result,they are dependent on their staff for a living.They are redundant since they do not give order,infact they take order from their subordinates.
written by Rainbowseahorse, October 07, 2008 10:47:13
Wake up Dompok2 and sell the shit spew all over Sabah by your government!
