By Ling Hui
KUCHING, May 19: The Temporary Identification Documents (DSITKS) issued by the Sarawak government to stateless children is valid for two years from the application’s approval date.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said DSITKS is not a Malaysian citizenship document but a temporary document to facilitate the holder’s access to education and health in Sarawak while their citizenship applications are being processed.
“It also does not give the right or promise to grant Malaysian citizenship to the holder. However, an extension application can be made if the holder has not yet acquired citizenship.
“DSITKS must be returned to the Ministry as soon as the holder obtains citizenship and an identity card,” she said while responding to Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng during the question and answer session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Fatimah also listed the application requirements for DSITKS, among which is that the individual must be 21 years old and below, born in Sarawak, with one of their biological parents being a Malaysian citizen and a resident of Sarawak.
The applicant must also have a birth certificate registered in Sarawak, undetermined citizenship status, and apply for Malaysian citizenship in accordance with Article 15A of the Federal Constitution. — DayakDaily
