KOTA KINABALU: No application for the issuance of identity documents is approved automatically, even if accompanied by support letters from any party, the National Registration Department (NRD) says.
This, the NRD said, comes after a letter dated April 26, 2019, allegedly containing a note from the then Sabah chief minister, supporting an individual’s application for identity documents in Semporna went viral on social media.
“All applications for MyKAS, MyPR and MyKad are strictly subject to existing laws, regulations and policies.
“These applications are comprehensively assessed based on the National Registration Regulations 1990. The NRD will not approve applications arbitrarily, even if accompanied by a letter of support from any party,” it said in a statement yesterday.
The NRD also said letters of support, recommendation notes or applications from political party leaders, government agencies or non-governmental organisations do not guarantee automatic approval.
“While views or support from interested parties may be considered, approval must go through a stringent screening and verification process, including fact and document checks as well as background investigations.”
It added that MyKAS was an identity document issued to Temporary Residents born in Malaysia whose citizenship status could not be determined.
“MyKAS holders do not gain any citizenship privileges. They must meet strict conditions before applying for MyPR (Permanent Resident status) and subsequently MyKad (Citizen status), depending on their period of residence and eligibility.”
It also said that MyKAS holders, whose status is approved every five years, must continue efforts to trace their origins as required under the Federal Constitution.
