Eight out of 10 applications involve illegitimate children

KUCHING: A total of 10 citizenship applications in Sarawak were received and presented at the state level monthly meeting of the Special Committee on Citizenship Status (JKSSK) under Article 15, here today (Sep 5).

Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said that out of the 10 applications, eight involved illegitimate children.

“These applications include the status of children born before their parents’ marriage was legally registered, received from several National Registration Department (JPN) offices, including JPN Kuching (3), JPN Song (3), JPN Tatau (1), and JPN Julau (1).

“In addition, there were two other applications involving foster children, each received from JPN offices in Kuching and Sibu,” she said.

She said this during a press conference after chairing the JKKSK under Article 15A of the Sarawak state level meeting No. 1/2024, at the Baitulmakmur II Building here.

Fatimah explained that this was the first meeting after the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) granted permission to hold regular meetings, as proposed by her ministry during their meeting on July 24, 2024.

She added that a letter from the Minister of Home Affairs, dated July 30, 2024 also stated that there were no objections to the proposal.

“The mechanism of these monthly meetings will focus on efforts to verify applications, streamline the application process, and compile recommendations for the special committee on citizenship status.

“However, the final decision for each application is subject to current policies, regulations, and mechanisms set by the Ministry of Home Affairs,” she said.

With the introduction of these regular meetings, she hopes the citizenship application process can be expedited and proceed more smoothly in Sarawak.

Fatimah stated that during the Sarawak Special Committee on Citizenship Status Meeting No. 1 on Aug 17, 2024, a total of 306 applications were presented, with 225 applications approved, while 81 were rejected.

She also emphasised the importance of completing all required application documents to increase the chances of citizenship approval.

She explained that the approval rate for citizenship applications is slim if the forms are incomplete.

“Applicants need to provide documents showing their relationship with the child for whom citizenship is being applied.

“For example, the relationship between the applicant and the child, such as the father, must be clear and supported by valid documents,” she added.