Media Statement By YB Violet Yong:
Two children born in Sarawak whom previously did not have the “K” indicator on their MyKad have now successfully obtained it and finally being recognised as Sarawakians.
I personally accompanied these two applicants to the National Registration Department to submit their applications last week. The successful update in their identity cards hold great significance for them, as they are now officially Sarawakians.
In the past, even after enduring a difficult process to obtain citizenship under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution, many of these stateless children continued to face challenges because they were not allowed to have the “K” indicator on their MyKad. This effectively deprived them of their Sarawakian identity. As a result, they are denied access to the rights and benefits enjoyed by local Sarawakians, including the right to reside, study and work in Sarawak on a long-term basis.
Given the importance of the “K” indicator, I have repeatedly raised this issue in the past few Sarawak State Legislative Assembly meetings urging the Sarawak state government to review and amend the previous policy that excluded the “K” indicator from the identity cards of children who gained citizenship under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution. I am pleased that this matter has finally been addressed and solved.
It is heartening to see that children who obtained Malaysian citizenship under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution, as well as those adopted by Sarawakian parents and registered as Malaysian citizens, can now apply for the “K” code. This marks a significant step forward in recognizing their rightful identity as Sarawakians.
