KUCHING: Third-generation individuals not born in Sarawak have no right to receive assistance from the Sarawak government as they are not Sarawak citizens.
 
Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said that parents (first generation) who give birth to their children (second generation) outside of Sarawak need to be aware of this change which can cause their grandchildren (third generation) to lose the status of Sarawak citizens because they are also born outside of the state.
 
He explained, this is especially true for free educational assistance at universities owned by the Sarawak government and assistance at health facilities in this 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’ code, but if they are born outside Sarawak, their grandchildren are only eligible to become Sarawak citizens through marriage with Sarawak citizens (if born abroad).
 
“They are just Malaysian citizens without the status of Sarawak citizens, and 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 said.
 
He said this while speaking at the Vaisakhi Dinner celebration held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Saturday.
 
Datuk Amar Dr Sim added, Sarawakian parents living abroad need to be aware of this matter if they want their grandchildren to benefit from the assistance or facilities provided by the Sarawak government.
 
Meanwhile at the event, the Sarawak Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government had the opportunity to present a grant allocation from the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) to the Sarawak Sikh Temple Association (SSTA).
 
Also present were UNIFOR Director, Datu Jack Aman Luat, Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) Director, Samuel Simon, SSTA President, Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews