Help for stateless kids with Sabah parent
KOTA KINABALU: Assistance will be given to children of Sabahans who married foreigners to ensure that their future is guaranteed.
These children who had been classified as foreigners even though one of their parents is a Sabahan would be assisted through a legalization process, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.
Speaking to reporters at a parliamentary sitting in Kuala Lumpur, Shafie said humanitarian value was the basis of the government extending assistance to these children so that their future would be brighter.
“However a very stringent procedure will be in place and an applicant will have to first provide proof that the child was born in Sabah and one of its parents is a Sabahan before any further action can be taken,” he said, adding that the welfare of children of authentic Sabahans would be taken care of.
Shafie, who is also Semporna Member of Parliament, also denied allegations that the legalization process was an attempt by the government to issue identity cards to illegal immigrants.
“We must resolve this issue and help fellow Malaysians, especially if one of the parents is a Malaysian.
"We will continue to help and identify the problem, adding, “Can you imagine if a child of these marriages was sent to the country of origin of their parent when they cannot even speak the language.
“Don’t just make accusations when we are doing something for these children of fellow Sabahans.
"There is a need to ensure that these children will be managed properly so we can get to the bottom of the problem (why they are classified as foreigners),” he said.