91YO Sarawak Veteran Denied Malaysian Citizenship After Serving The Country
Besar was born in Kalimantan, Indonesia but migrated across the border to build a home and raise a family since the 50s.
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Malaysians were fretful to find out that a 91-year-old Sarawakian veteran who served the country following Merdeka was forgone the right to citizenship for over 60 years.
An article published by Borneo Post highlighted the tale of a man named Basar Paru, a retired border scout who served during the Malaysia-Indonesia confrontation and the Communist insurgency that occurred between the 60s and late 80s.
Turning 92 this June, Besar was born in Kalimantan, Indonesia but migrated across the border – building a home and raising a family in Sarawak since the late 50s. He spent 10 years of his life patrolling the borders of Long Semado in Lawas.
Basar’s daughter Orpah shares that her father made multiple attempts throughout the decades to attain Malaysian citizenship, to no avail.
He had applied many times in the past with many trips to JPN (National Registration Department) Lawas and JPN Miri. Only in 2013, he was given permanent resident status or MyPR.
Orpah via Borneo Post
Orpah confessed that her father was distressed and dreams only of being recognised as a citizen, not just because of his contributions to the country, but because his children and grandchildren were all Malaysians.
He wants the blue-coloured MyKad and we as his children have to console him each time he becomes sullen when we tell him that his application is still being processed.
Orpah via Borneo Post
Orpah explained that without citizenship, her elderly father is unable to receive benefits like free healthcare and welfare assistance.
Apparently, Besar shares the same fate as three other former border scouts who’ve been denied citizenship.
As much as we want his dream to come true, he is too old to go to JPN back and forth. In fact, he said maybe they would only approve his application when he is no longer around. How much longer does he have to wait to be given his citizenship?
Orpah via Borneo Post
Netizens who were made aware of Besar’s story conveyed their dissatisfaction that the veteran hasn’t been reciprocated for his service to the country.
This is just ridiculous! Why? These guys served the country with dignity. It’s not like they stole from the people or some Yayasan etc. They protected us! Come on la Malaysia! https://t.co/uXjKsZBAmb
— Nik Rizal Kamil (@rizalos11) February 18, 2022
This is a real disgrace and something all of us Malaysians should be ashamed of. He was willing to risk his life for the country and we do not reciprocate. Thank you sir for your service to Malaysia and we wish you well https://t.co/sgYSHWYVp3
— Sridharan Nair (@Sri_PwC) February 19, 2022
Others claim that the problem of people not being granted citizenship was widespread in East Malaysia.
You be suprised orang pendalaman especially dayak people banyak takda IC. https://t.co/3BcJOFaDH5
— AryneJames🏳️🌈🏴 (@AryneJames96) February 19, 2022
Many also find it puzzling why it was easier for some foreigners to attain Malaysian citizenship than regular denizens.
This is so sad and unfair.
— DUST.IN.THE.WIND. (@hadiaahhh123) February 19, 2022
Especially when someone who is clearly born outside Malaysia & unrelated by blood to Malaysia managed to receive citizenship & Bumiputera title real fast. https://t.co/lkUjpS0nBm
So football players can get citizenship easily but kids born to malaysian mothers+non-Malaysian fathers and those who fought for the country has to wait sampai kiamat to get a citizenship? #sus https://t.co/RgNW6k5UQa
— Alya Farhanah (@alyfrhnh) February 18, 2022
The Federal Constitution dictates that the Federal Government may grant citizenship to individuals over the age of 21 who applies for it under the grounds that the person has lived permanently in the country or intends to do so for a set number of years, is of good character and has adequate knowledge of Bahasa Malaysia.
The same rule applies to the state of Sarawak and Sabah that joined the federation during the formation of Malaysia.
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