Kuala Lumpur: Individuals who do not have an identity card have been given a one-year period to submit valid documents to enable them to obtain citizenship, the Dewan Rakyat was told Monday.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin
(pic) said the issue had been going on for so long, inviting various problems, including being politicised by certain parties.
“It is illogical for individuals over the age of 63 still do not have an identity card. Therefore, they will be given a period of one year to apply using evidence or valid documents," he said when winding up the debate on Supply Bill 2021 at the committee stage for the Ministry.
He said the issue, if prolonged further, would cause more problems in the future.
As such, the Government wants to resolve the matter to ensure deserving people get their citizenship.
“We don’t want to politicise this issue, this is not a racial issue, this is a factual one.
“We must understand something, we love our country but if we blame only (National Registration Department) officers, why shouldn’t we blame ourselves as well (for not taking the necessary steps to register),” he said.
Hamzah said individuals facing this dilemma can meet their respective MPs to help resolve the issue.
On the reports that a terror attack was being planned in India by a Malaysian-based group, allegedly linked to preacher Dr Zakir Naik, the Home Minister said the police will cooperate with all enforcement agencies abroad.
"If there is something that is needed by them, surely they will notify officially. So far, there is no official report from them.
"Once we receive it, we will ensure the necessary action will be taken."
