KUCHING: Third-generation individuals not born in Sarawak are ineligible to receive assistance from the state government as they are not considered Sarawak citizens, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim explained that parents (first generation) who give birth to their children (second generation) outside of Sarawak need to be aware that this change can result in their grandchildren (third generation) losing their status as Sarawak citizens if they are also born outside the state.
“If two generations (after the first generation) are not born in Sarawak, then the third generation is no longer considered Sarawak citizens.
“Even if the children have the ‘K’ on their identification card, but if they are born outside Sarawak, their grandchildren are only eligible to become Sarawak citizens through marriage with Sarawak citizens,” he said.
He said this while speaking at the Vaisakhi Dinner celebration held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here last night (May 18).
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government added that Sarawakian parents living abroad need to be aware of this if they want their grandchildren to benefit from the assistance or facilities provided by the state government.
“As they are just Malaysian citizens without the status of Sarawak citizens, they are not eligible to receive free education at universities owned by the Sarawak Government or even assistance for health facilities in this state,” he added.
Also present at the dinner were Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) director Datuk Jack Aman Luat, Sarawak Sikh Temple Association President Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) director Samuel Simon.
