KUALA LUMPUR – Not merely a year of two but the 46 year-old man from Sabah has to travel back and forth the Department of Registration (JPN) for 11 years just to get his valid identity card (MyKad).
He was merely issued a temporary identity receipt since November 1997 and has never owned a proper identity card and this period has been extended several times until 14 October 2004.
However, the identity theft victim, Asiri Jaji, alleged that he was born in 1975 in Sabah and both his parents are Malaysia citizens with blue identity cards.
Nevertheless, Asiri alleged that he never own any valid identity card until now and he had to go through various difficulties.
He also revealed that he has been trying to apply for an identity card from JPN since 1993.
“In 2010, I was awarded the Malaysia citizen certification. Then, on 24 August 2010, I was called to the Investigation and Enforcement Department at the JPN Putrajaya Headquarters to assist in investigation.
“Unfortunately, I was told that there was an identity theft. I applied for the identification but some other people have used my identification. Such incidences is quite common in Sabah.
“But, at the same time, I also gave my cooperation and gave them all information and details that they needed.
“It’s been almost 11 years and my case is still under investigation by JPN. My eldest son is already 22 years-old. How long do I still need to wait? I have been waiting since 2011!” he questioned.
According to Asiri, there was no decision and his application seemed to be floating around just like that.
He had to go through the hassle of travelling back and forth but his case is still under investigation.
“I am not a dignitary. Just a normal citizen who is requesting for the government to help me end my sufferings. Please help me,” he said in tears during a Google Meet session with MalaysiaGazette recently.
Meanwhile, lawyer and activist Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim, who is now the spokesperson for Asiri said that they have sent an official letter to JPN since April this year.
The Secretary-General of the Malaysia International Humanitarian Organization (MHO) said that they have compiled all relevant documents for the reference of JPN.
“We would also like to know why it took such a long period of more than 11 years for the investigation? There is still no decision now. Have a pity on the victim. How long must he continue to wait?
“Give him a chance to live like other Malaysians, with a valid identification. Without the identification, their lives are like a living hell. Stop the bureaucracy. It is time for the government to be more efficient in handlings issues like this.
“My client has many interrupted dealings to handle involving the government enforcement, education and health. It also involves private matters such as financial institutions,” he added.
According to Hishammuddin, Asiri had to between Kuala Lumpur and Sabah several times to resolve the problem and he has provided letters and documents required for investigation.
“Please give a decision. At least, we can take further action. We are not here to slam the government and we wish to work with you. Please help us to help our client,” he said. –MalaysiaGazette
