Malaysia: Form task force for stateless, says SUHAKAM

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) wants the Government to set up a special task force to look into the growing problem of ‘stateless’ Malaysians.

Commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam said the task force must specifically look into the core problem and others, like documentation, and solve them.

He said the issue needed to be addressed urgently.

“It is sad to learn that some Malaysians still do not have identification documents. This is a violation of the basic human rights as no eligible Malaysian should be denied the rights of citizenship,” he said commenting on the increasing number of cases of ‘stateless’ Malaysians that has attracted national attention.

Last week, odd-job worker P. Ragu travelled with his family from Johor to Perak to seek the help of the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah to get him a MyKad, after having to use temporary identification papers since 1998.

MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam has estimated that at least 20,000 Malaysian Indians were still without identification papers.

He said that this could just be the tip of the iceberg.

“This problem has lingered on for too long and it seems there are no serious efforts being taken to solve it.If the problem lies with the system or the bureaucracy, then change the system or simplify the procedures. Don’t trouble the people so much,” he said.

He suggested that the NRD hire more officials who could speak the local dialects to help locals get registered.

Meanwhile, Siva said that Suhakam would also investigate the case of a 78-year-old SinoKadazan in Penampang who was issued a red identity card with the status of permanent resident after she lost her blue IC.

“Such a thing should not have happened. This shows how inefficient the NRD is. How can they simply take away the citizenship of a Malaysian?” he asked.

Date: 4 October 2008

Source: The Star Online