Sarawak-KDN to meet monthly on citizenship issues

SIBU: A monthly meeting with a special committee to look into citizenship issues under the Home Ministry (KDN) will expedite Sarawak’s efforts to help undocumented individuals in applying for documents, said Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.

The Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development said she called on Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on July 29 in Kuala Lumpur regarding the matter.

“He agreed to form a verification committee to facilitate the application for documents. He also consented to have a special committee meeting in Kuching on Aug 16,” she said.

She said this after officiating at the opening of the new centre of Destiny for Children at Jalan Chew Siik Hiong here Sunday (Aug 4).

Fatimah said with the monthly meeting between her ministry and the special committee, applicants would be better advised on the relevant documents they need before submitting their citizenship applications.

“Personally, I feel that in this way, we can help the applicants verify their applications and advise them on what relevant documents they need to support their applications.

“I also strongly feel that with this monthly meeting, it will shorten the time required for their citizenship applications,” she stressed.

Fatimah, who is also the co-chairman of the special committee, said they would screen through all applications every month.

Meanwhile, regarding the centre, Fatimah commended Destiny for Children teachers and staff for ensuring about 123 students receive their basic education at the centre.

“This would not be possible without the support from the community. I hope that more kindhearted people in Sibu continue supporting this noble act,” she said.

Destiny for Children Association Sibu is a registered non-profit and non-government organisation whose purpose is to provide academic programmes tailored for children who are unable to attend national schools.

The academic programme is made available for undocumented children, street children, and school dropouts above 12 years old.

Also present were Sibu MP Oscar Ling, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, Political Secretary to Sarawak Premier Joshua Ting and Senator Robert Lau.