Dr M: Senior citizens with red MyKad will get citizenship soon

KUALA LUMPUR: Permanent residents over 60 years old with red MyKads who applied for citizenship and fulfilled all conditions will soon have their application granted, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said the decision was made after meeting with representatives of the Indian community, Pakatan Harapan lawmakers as well as senators.

"It was promised under Pakatan Harapan's manifesto to address citizenship issue of the Indian community," Dr Mahathir told a press conference in parliament.

He said that the government managed to secure the citizenship of 3,407 Indians who held red MyKads with the age above 60 years old.

"If they are above 60 years old, they will be regarded as citizens.

"Those who are below 60 years old, if they have any strong basis, including a child from a parent who is a Malaysian, have a right to be regarded as a citizen.

"One parent must be a Malaysian and the child must be born in Malaysia," he said.

Dr Mahathir stressed that applicants must fulfill all the necessary criteria, including going through a basic Bahasa Malaysia test.

"It is a simple test. If they pass, we can accept them.

 "They should also be here 12 years in total, as stated under the Federal Constitution," he said. 

Dr Mahathir said while the 100-day pledge was limited to the Indian community, the decision to grant citizenship would be applied to all the races.

"This does not only apply for Indians, but for all," he said.

However, he did not provide a time-frame for when citizenship would be approved.

Dr Mahathir had on Monday (Aug 13) met Indian Pakanyab leaders to discuss the progress of fulfilling promises made to the community.

Among those attended include Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran, National Unity and Social Wellbeing Minister P. Waytha Moorthy and Rural and Development Deputy Minister R. Sivarasa.