Cover image via The Rocket
A report by Bernama yesterday, 9 May, revealed that a large number of people with dual nationalities are willing to give it up to hold a Malaysian citizenship
The report highlighted how the government's move to offer great benefits and facilities drove many, especially Thai nationals to opt for Malaysian citizenship
Another similar individual, Kak Lia, renounced her Thai nationality in 1999 as she felt that being a Malaysian citizen is more rewarding
Her excitement was short-lived as she was only granted a Permanent Resident status (popularly known as "red IC"), unlike other relatives and friends that were given a full-fledged Malaysian identity card, reported Bernama.
To make matters more disappointing, Kak Lia explained how under the "Country of Origin" tab at the back of her "red IC", it was merely written "Stateless".
"I have been going to the National Registration Department since 1999 to replace my Red IC, but to no avail.
**"I am still thankful though because even with the Red IC, I still manage to use the banking facilities and seek hospital treatment. Unfortunately, I cannot vote," said Kak Lia, as reported by Bernama.**
The Malaysian nationality laws does not recognise dual citizenship.
The constitution also allows children born to parents of Malaysian and another of a different citizenship, to choose either of their parents' nationality when they turn 18.
