KOTA KINABALU: Any support letter, proposal or applications by politicians or government bodies can be taken into consideration in the process leading to approval for documentation, but it does not translate into automatic approval, says the National Registration Department (NRD).
According to the NRD in a written statement on Monday (April 7), these so-called back up letters or support documents for any applicant can be used as a reference and consideration prior to any approval, but ultimately, it still has to go through all the required assessments and verifications.
It said that these verification processes are strict and include fact checks, documentation and background inspections of the applicants.
This statement comes following recent issues highlighted in Sabah where a letter from a MyKas applicant dated April 26, 2019, showing a support signature by the then-chief minister stamped on it.
The applicant of the MyKas document was from Semporna Sabah and the support letter was to expedite the issuance of the said document to the applicant.
In clarifying, the NRD said that all forms of documents such as MyKas, MyPR or MyKad fall under laws, regulations and policies that are in place.
“All applications will be assessed fully under the National Registration Regulations 1990,” the statement said.
“The NRD will not simply approve applications, even if these applications come with support letters from any leaders or any individuals,” it added.
The NRD explained that MyKas is a temporary residency identification document for those born in Malaysia with unverified citizenship.
MyKas holders have no citizenship rights whatsoever and are required to fulfil strict terms and conditions before they can be considered for MyPR applications and thereafter, the MyKad.
For MyKas holders with a five-year expiration period, they are required to try their best to trace their roots as well, said the statement.
The NRD remains committed to ensuring a clean and professional administration when it comes to the issuance of identification cards or documents.
The public is urged to visit any of their nearest NRD offices or log on to the NRD website for more information.
Recently, certain quarters have used this purported letter to question how the then-chief minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, was allowed to ‘approve’ anyone’s documentation application.
Parti Warisan came out to explain that Shafie had no right to approve anything.
Warisan said that it was just a support letter and the NRD had the full and final say on such matters.
Warisan had also urged for the NRD to come forward and educate the public on such documents and applications, as well as approval processes.
