GOPIO Thanks the Prime Minister for Assurance of Citizenship for Indians Born Before Independence

Press Release

GOPIO thanks Prime Minister Najib Razak for assuring the issuance of Malaysian Citizenship for Indians born here before independence. 

This will bring a closure to the long pending issue, once and for all. There are many Malaysian Indians born before Merdeka who are suffering in silence over their Citizenship issues and some are already in their 80’s and 90’s. Once it is resolved, the agonies among the many aged and elderly Indians will be settled.

This is one of the many issues plaguing the Community which was brought up by NGOs to the attention of the authorities. Though past MIC leaders were somewhat unable to resolve the issue, the current MIC leadership is seen to have taken up the matter seriously. MIC had also pointed out on the inefficiency in issuance of Citizenship due to existing bureaucracy and poor documentation.

The MIC’s request to build hostels for low-income-family and under privileged children is to be applauded. According to the Prime Minister, the government would prepare hostels for the children of the rural Indian Community who were faced with social issues to ensure that they would also receive opportunities for quality education. GOPIO is keen to see the project take off as soon as possible and MIC must follow up with the implementation.

The Prime Minister, who is also the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Indian Affairs, has in several occasions reiterated his commitment that all efforts to increase the socio-economic standing the community would continue. GOPIO observes that Prime Minister Najib Razak is doing far better for the Malaysian Indian Community with his attentive and inclusive leadership, as compared to previous Prime Ministers of Malaysia, including Tun Mahatir who held the position for 22 long years.
S.Gunasekaran
Secretary, GOPIO Malaysia.