MIRI, April 15 — Miri MP Chiew Choon Man has condemned Perikatan Nasional MP Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Muttalib for questioning the government’s rationale in recognising those born after the country’s independence regardless of their skin colour.

In a statement yesterday, Chiew said the MP’s question, which he submitted in the first and second parliament session, was clearly malicious and an attempt to create racial and religious tensions.

"The right to citizenship is the right of every Malaysian under the Federal Constitution.

"The action of Maran MP in trying to create tensions using race is an irresponsible act and should be condemned by all Malaysians,” he said.

Chiew pointed out that there were still many individuals in Malaysia, especially from rural Sarawak, who have yet to obtain citizenship due to many factors.

He said instead of focusing on the citizenship issue and ways to solve statelessness, the Maran MP had twisted the issue into racial and cheap publicity.

"As Sarawakians who love unity and peace among the multi-racial communities, I would like to call on all Sarawakians to stand up and reject politicians that are narrow-minded and those who use race and religion for political mileage.

"I would also like to urge all politicians from PN to also condemn the action of the Maran MP,” said Chiew.

Ismail in his question in parliament was asking the Home Minister whether it was true that the government was going to recognise individuals who are born after the country’s independence regardless of their skin colour. — Borneo Post Online