PUTRAJAYA, 12 Dec: If previously, problems regarding Identity Cards were centred on the Indian community, today three Malay siblings came forward to claim their rights as citizens of Malaysia.
Until now, Abdul Hakam Rosli, 17, Liyana Rosli, 16 and Noratika Rosli, 14, respectively born in Port Dickson Hospital, have been still using the red identity card.
Abdul Hakam related the three siblings’ experiences saying that he had applied for the citizen’s blue identity card since he was 12 years old however, was only given the red identity card when he was 15 years old.
“My friends always made fun of me (mockingly) because there is a red IC at school. During examinations, I have to pay more,” said the eldest brother of 5 siblings.
They came forward as a result of initiatives carried out by Cabang Teluk Kemang PKR. They now live with their grandfather, Atan Samah at Batu 4, Port Dickson after their father had passed away.
It is understood that their mother is a citizen of Indonesia.
Meanwhile, another red identity card owner Gnanapregasam A/L Marian, 67 also expressed outrage following his failed application, which he made over five times.
Despite having a local birth certificate in addition to obtaining letters of support from the BN party’s complaints bureau, he is still using a red identity card which he obtained in his school days.
“I have a birth certificate. I have already applied five times. Although a letter has already been sent to the Prime Minister, Najib (Razak),still there is none (identity card).
“When reporting to the National Registration Department (JPN), there is a case. I have already asked what case, they said Article 16. Even at the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), they also said Article 16.
“I now work as a guard,” he added.
He further explained that he also participated in the MyDaftar programme at Batu Caves, however it all still led to a dead end.
Nearly 300 applicants were present at the Putrajaya National Registration Department in conjunction with the ’12-12-12 Seated Protest Assembly’.
