LAHAD DATU: Citizenship status is not granted arbitrarily and will only be given to individuals who are eligible and meet the necessary criteria.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, said citizenship is the highest honour the government can bestow upon an individual.
“Therefore, it cannot be given out freely or without due consideration,” he said, in response to documentation issues in this district.
Shamsul said the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the National Registration Department (NRD), has implemented the Program Menyemai Kasih Rakyat (Mekar) to address these challenges.
Under this programme, officers go to remote areas equipped with the necessary tools to help residents resolve documentation issues.
“I cannot say that citizenship will be granted outright, as this matter requires thorough investigation, observation and scrutiny.
“So I have instructed the NRD to go down to the ground and assess the situation. Those who are eligible and meet the constitutional requirements should be issued the appropriate documentation,” Shamsul said, at the Umno Lahad Datu Division Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House, Sunday.
Regarding the security situation along Sabah’s east coast, Shamsul said the situation is currently stable, and there is no cause for public concern, as the government continuously ensures a high level of security.
He noted that the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) is the agency responsible for safeguarding Sabah’s east coast and has carried out its duties effectively and in an organized manner.
“Since January 15, 2020, there have been no reported kidnapping cases. Nevertheless, we remain vigilant, which is why we continue to conduct various operations in cooperation with other agencies,” he said.
He added that operations such as Op Sanggah and Op Gasak, aimed at identifying subversive elements, informants, and cross-border criminal activities, have been executed effectively.
Over 1.3 million inspections have been conducted via roadblocks and boat checks, Shamsul said.
Meanwhile, Lahad Datu Umno Division Chief, Sharif Musa Sharif Mabul, appealed to the Ministry to prioritise birth certificate and identification card registrations for the Dusun community living in remote areas.
Sharif said this would help prevent individuals, especially youths, from being excluded from access to education.
He hoped the Umno Lahad Datu Open House celebration would serve as a platform to strengthen ties and foster unity among the various communities in the district.
He also welcome all guests, including representatives from 22 Chinese community associations who demonstrated strong unity and solidarity.
