KUANTAN: Efforts to address the issue of Indians who do not possess identification documents and those with red identification cards in Pahang will begin once the federal government gives the green light.
Sabai state assemblyman D. Kamache said Pakatan Harapan (PH) in its manifesto had promised to resolve issues surrounding stateless Indians after assuming federal power, and they will keep their words.
“Once we receive the go ahead from the federal government, we will go to the ground to look into the matter from a bigger perspective.
In fact, I have been doing it (looking into issues of those without identification documents) over the last 10 years and personally handled the cases by doing the necessary in Putrajaya (National Registration Department).
“However, now with the support from the federal government along with the Home Ministry and relevant agencies, I am sure we can achieve more and ensure no one from the Indian community is being left out.
Those without identification documents or red identification cards can be assured that changes is coming their way,” she said when contacted today.
Kamache, who is the PH coordinator for the Indian community in Pahang, said upon receiving the directives, she will meet those who faced problems related to birth, identity card and citizenship to ensure all their long-standing problems will finally come to an end.
“Instead of waiting at the service centres or setting up booths, we will go down to the ground to visit estates and plantations with a huge Indian population in Pahang.
As the elected representative, we need to serve at their (voters) doorstep and look into ways to help them.
“Being without proper identification documents is a major problem as one cannot receive proper assistance, cannot enroll in school or receive medical aid and instead they might be treated as a foreigner.
So we want to investigate and ensure they have all the necessary supporting documents and we will do our best to provide them with proper identification documents so that they can live a normal life,” she said.
Kamache was responding to several viral WhatsApp messages over the past few days claiming that those with problems related to identification documents should contact her or her district representatives for immediate action.
Under its manifesto, PH had promised to resolve the issues surrounding stateless Indians within 100 days if it wins Putrajaya in the 14th General Election.