PEKAN, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Applications to amend race or ethnicity details in National Registration Department (NRD) records must be supported by clear evidence of ancestry, valid documents, and compliance with existing laws and regulations.
NRD director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias said such changes could not be made arbitrarily or based solely on personal preference, as each application required verification of birth records, parental information and supporting documents.
He said children born to legally married Malaysian and foreign parents could, in certain circumstances, apply to amend their recorded ethnicity based on either parent's ancestry, subject to the prescribed requirements.
“What must be understood is that individuals cannot simply change their recorded ethnicity without valid grounds. Every application must be assessed based on ancestry, supporting documents and relevant legal provisions.
“The NRD is responsible for ensuring that all recorded information is accurate, verifiable and compliant with existing regulations,” he told reporters after presenting a MyKad to Pahang Awang Mohamad at a Registration Literacy Programme held at an NRD office today.
Meanwhile, Badrul Hisham clarified that marriage to a Malaysian citizen did not automatically grant Malaysian citizenship to a foreign spouse.
Citizenship applications must meet the requirements of the Federal Constitution and the Citizenship Rules 1964, with approval subject to the relevant authorities' assessment.
“Foreign nationals who have lived in Malaysia for a long time or are married to Malaysians may apply for citizenship if they meet the stipulated conditions.
“However, marriage or length of residence does not guarantee citizenship. The granting of citizenship is governed by the Federal Constitution, and the NRD carries out its responsibilities within its prescribed powers and regulations,” he said.
Badrul Hisham reiterated the department's commitment to transparency, integrity and legal compliance in managing identity registration and population records.
“Our principle is clear: every identity record must have a valid basis. We strive to make services more accessible to the public, but we will never compromise on document authenticity, information accuracy or compliance with the law,” he said.
-- BERNAMA