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Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party Vice President David Ong urged the Federal Government to prioritise addressing the statelessness crisis in Malaysia, particularly Sabah before extending help to others abroad.  

In Sabah alone, hundreds of thousands of individuals are living without official status, denied fundamental rights like healthcare and education, Ong said when officiating LDP Melalap and Sindumin general meeting.

“This situation is not just a humanitarian crisis; it is a potential disaster that could have severe implications for the stability and future progress of our nation,” he said.

Ong criticised the government’s decision to prioritise international aid over resolving the pressing challenges within our borders. 

“The statelessness crisis is complex, involving both local Malaysians and long-term migrants, and requires immediate and comprehensive action. It is unacceptable that the government is channelling resources overseas while urgent issues at home remain unresolved.

“The crisis is getting worse because stateless people struggle to access basic services. They often can’t get medical care and their children are kept out of school, which keeps them stuck in poverty.

Without legal status, they can’t work legally, making their lives even harder.  If we keep ignoring this issue, it could lead to more problems and division in our society.  

“A big part of the problem is the complicated and frustrating government processes that keep many stateless people stuck in their situation. 

“The Immigration Department is full of red tape and discrimination, making it really hard for these people to get official documents.

For those living in rural areas, it’s even worse, they often have to spend a lot of time and money traveling to city immigration offices. Because the process is so difficult, many people give up after trying and failing multiple times, which only makes their situation worse,” he said.

Ong called for immediate action and urged the Federal Government to form a special task force committee to tackle this issue. 

“This problem is too big for the Sabah Government to handle alone—it requires collaboration between the Federal and Sabah governments.”

The task force should work with local communities, NGOs, and international organizations to develop long-term solutions, he said.

It should also focus on reforming government departments, particularly immigration, to make the process more transparent, fair and efficient, he said. 

Cutting down on red tape and ending discriminatory practices are key steps, along with improving public transport infrastructure to make government services more accessible to those in rural areas, he added.

Ong said the government must get its priorities right. 

“It is unacceptable to assist others across borders while neglecting those who are suffering within our own. The well-being of Malaysia’s own citizens and residents should come first, and addressing the statelessness crisis is crucial for the country’s long-term social and economic stability,” he said.