Citizenship Concerns in Sabah: A Student’s Plea to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Emotional Appeal at Putrajaya FOI Event
At the Putrajaya Festival of Ideas (Putrajaya FOI) organized by the higher education ministry, a university student from Sabah made a heartfelt appeal to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, revealing his family’s struggles with Malaysia’s citizenship policies. The student, from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), shared his concerns about the potential impact on his scholarship hopes due to his mother’s non-permanent resident status.
A Family’s Struggles with Citizenship
The student’s mother, born and raised in Sabah, has not been granted permanent resident status, which has caused significant concern for the student. He explained that scholarship applications require both parents to be Malaysian citizens, leaving him worried about his eligibility.
Raising the Issue with the Home Minister
The student had previously raised the issue with Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail but did not receive a response. This lack of response has left him feeling frustrated and uncertain about his future.
Prime Minister’s Advice
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim listened attentively to the student’s concerns and offered guidance. He advised the student to submit a formal letter with complete details to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was also present at the event. Deputy Prime Minister Zahid echoed this suggestion, encouraging the student to submit the letter to him, saying, "Send the letter to ‘uncle,’ and let ‘uncle’ handle it."
Conclusion
The student’s emotional appeal highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals and families in Sabah regarding citizenship and permanent resident status. The Prime Minister’s advice and Deputy Prime Minister’s words of encouragement demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing these concerns. It is crucial for the authorities to provide clarity and support to individuals affected by these issues, ensuring that they can access necessary benefits and opportunities without unnecessary barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation with citizenship and permanent resident status in Sabah?
A: The student’s experience highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals and families in Sabah regarding citizenship and permanent resident status.
Q: What was the Prime Minister’s advice to the student?
A: The Prime Minister advised the student to submit a formal letter with complete details to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Q: What is the significance of this issue?
A: The issue highlights the need for the government to provide clarity and support to individuals affected by citizenship and permanent resident status, ensuring they can access necessary benefits and opportunities without unnecessary barriers.