Red IC Holders Over 60 Will Be Granted Citizenship Soon, Says Tun M
Over 3,000 Indian senior citizens with red ICs will receive their MyKad.
By Andrea Tang — 14 Aug 2018, 07:00 PM
Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad announced today, 14 August, that 3,407 permanent residents over 60 with red ICs (MyPR) will be granted citizenship soon
"They will be regarded as citizens," Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said at a press conference at the Parliament lobby.
According to Malay Mail, Tun Mahathir also added that the decision was reached after a meeting with representatives of the Indian community yesterday, 13 August.
To obtain the blue MyKad, red IC holders are required to fill up an application form at the National Registration Department (NRD)
In order to get a blue IC, a form must be filled and handed over to the NRD for approval.
As reported by New Straits Times, Tun Mahathir added that since there are several requirements to be met, the MyKad issuing process will take time.
Previously, those who wanted a MyKad had to wait years to even have their application considered
Those with red ICs were not eligible for a lot of benefits and were often seen as a liability. Many had to reapply several times and endure the long waits that came with it. With the alleged lack of manpower at the NRD, they currently have a backlog of at least two to three years.
For applicants under 60, you would have to meet specific requirements and go through several processes
The applicant must be born in Malaysia, have at least one Malaysian parent and will have to pass a Bahasa Malaysia competency test. Another requirement is the applicant must be based in Malaysia for at least 12 years and resided in Malaysia for at least 10 years.
Tun Mahathir is also looking to discuss how those whose parents were not married legally would acquire their citizenship.
Pakatan Harapan promised blue ICs for Indians as part of their pledges for their manifesto
"That is what we had promised in the PH manifesto and we have decided to do it, we are trying to fulfil our promise," Tun Mahathir said, as reported by New Straits Times.