KUCHING: The new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by the Home Ministry to expedite citizenship applications within a year, effective next year, have brought renewed hope to parents of stateless children in Sarawak.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the move would ease the uncertainty and stress faced by parents over their children’s citizenship status.
“This proactive measure is expected to alleviate the emotional and bureaucratic burdens faced by parents of stateless children,” she said in a statement.
Fatimah pointed out that the citizenship application process could previously take up to five years, leaving children to wait excessively despite their growing needs.
“The GPS-led government in Sarawak firmly upholds the principle that access to education and healthcare is a fundamental human right that should not be denied to anyone, including stateless children,” she said.
“As such, the GPS government supports the Madani government’s efforts through the Home Ministry to address citizenship issues efficiently and to ensure the rights of the people are safeguarded and upheld,” she added.
Fatimah stressed that the expedited process would enable stateless children to access education, healthcare, welfare assistance, employment opportunities, and apply for the “K” indicator on their identification cards, qualifying them for various forms of assistance provided for Sarawakian children.
“This initiative also aims to enhance the self-esteem of these children, empowering them to grow into productive individuals who can contribute to the nation’s development,” she said.
On Dec 17, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced on Facebook that all Malaysian citizenship applications would be reviewed and resolved within one year.
“God willing, starting next year, every citizenship application will receive a decision within one year,” he said.
“This is the SOP I have established for the Home Affairs Ministry’s team to ensure that citizenship issues are addressed efficiently,” he added.
“This is part of the Madani government’s commitment to safeguarding and upholding the rights of the people,” he said.
