SYARIAH COURT PROCESS DROPPED

SIPITANG: Changes to the religious status of non-Muslims in Sabah who have been inadvertently registered as 'Islam' simply because they have 'bin' or 'binti' in their Identity Card (MyKad) can now be done at the National Registration Department (NRD).

United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) President, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok (pic) said previously those with such problem needed to go to the Syariah Court to rectify it.

"However, after a discussion in the Federal Cabinet, the Prime Minister has agreed that the changes could be done just at the NRD," he said.

Dompok who is also Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister said among the problems faced by Malaysians in Sabah was the delay in getting citizenship status and Identity Card.

Speaking at the Upko Sipitang Convention here, Monday, he said the Federal Cabinet had agreed to make him the focal point to represent Sabah and Datuk Douglas Unggah for Sarawak to monitor the situation.

"I myself will be responsible to ensure assistance to resolve the problem faced by the people in Sabah," he said, adding that for example many of those who were born in Brunei before the formation of Malaysia were having difficulty in applying for citizenship.

"Therefore, those having similar problem should contact me or my office," he said.

In this respect, Dompok said he was thankful to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his concern in finding a solution to the problem.

Also on hand were Sipitang MP Datuk Sapawi Ahmad, Sindumin Assemblyman, Ahmad Bujang, Sipitang Upko Chief, Goven Jablee Lasonh, Upko Information Chief, Datuk Donald Mojuntin and Vice President Datuk Wences Anggang.