By Syauqi Jamil
KUALA LUMPUR: Senior permanent residents aged 60 years and above who have applied for Malaysian citizenship will be granted citizenship soon.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced that the matter was agreed upon during a meeting with Pakatan Harapan (PH) leadership as well as representatives from the Indian community last night.
“If they are 60 and above, they can go to the National Registration Department (NRD), fill in the necessary forms to change their red IC to blue,” he said.
Speaking in a press conference after chairing a meeting on the management of foreign workers in the country in Parliament, Mahathir said that this is part of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration fulfilling its GE14 pledge.
He said PH election manifesto had promised to assist securing citizenships for 3,407 Indians over 60 years old who possess the red MyKads.
While the 100 day manifesto had specified aiding only the Indian communities, Mahathir said the decision was made to apply the rule to all nationality.
The good news is not limited to only the seniors as red IC holders below 60 can also have a chance to be granted citizenship.
Mahathir pointed out that these groups are required to meet certain conditions to be granted citizenship.
“A simple Bahasa Melayu test will also be held. If they pass, we can accept them as citizens. Other conditions include residing in the country for 12 years. That is the provision of the Federal Constitution,” he said.
