GOPIO thanked PM for assuring citizenship to pre-Merdeka Indians-born

KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak for guaranteeing that Malaysian citizenship will be issued to Indians born in Malaysia before Independence.
In a statement today, its secretary S. Gunasekaran said this is one of many issues plaguing the community which was brought to the attention of the authorities by NGOs.
He said MIC leaders in the past were somewhat unable to resolve the issue but the current leadership is taking up the matter seriously.
"MIC had also pointed out that the inefficiency in the issuing of citizenship was due to the existing bureaucracy and poor documentation," he added.
On MIC's request to build hostels for low-income families and underprivileged children, he said this is to be applauded.
He added that according to Najib, the government would prepare hostels for the children of the rural Indian community facing social issues to ensure that they would receive opportunities for quality education.
"GOPIO is keen to see the project take off as soon as possible, and MIC must follow up with the implementation," he added.