S Manikavasagam is first time Member of Parliament Malaysia, Kapar(P.109).He stood under the ticket of Parti Keadilan Rakyat(PKR). He also sits in PKR's Supreme Body Council and PKR's Political Bureau Member .
Malay Mail Ist July 2009
DURING his campaign trail last year, S. Manikavasagam promised the residents of Kapar he would solve their birth certificate problems if he won the Kapar Parliamentary seat. It has been 16 months since the first-term MP was elected and as promised, Manikavasagam is on a mission to ensure all Malaysians are accorded their birthright.
How bad is the situation in Klang of folks without birth certificates?
If you look at Klang, it is not that serious. In my constituency, we do get cases of adults not having birth certificates on a weekly basis but the number is not alarming. But, if you look at the State overall, it is worrying. I was told that there are 5,000 cases of people without birth certificates. This is shocking.
Why do you think the number is so high?
Firstly, the lack of education. Many who do not have birth certificates are estate workers and rural folk. If we can educate them that a birth certificate is important and necessary, then we can say the problem is partially solved.
Secondly, the people must understand that even if they give birth at home, they must acquire a birth certificate immediately. And finally, the National Registration Department should be more proactive. Their officers should be on the ground more to spot cases like this in rural areas.
What other problems do you face when it comes to birth certificate issues?
There are folks who come to my office and claim that they paid strangers a large amount of money to get their birth certificates.
The amounts range from RM1,000 to RM5,000. These are scams. When the complaint reaches us, it’s already too late. I would like to advise the people of Malaysia they do not have to pay to get a birth certificate. If anybody approaches them and asks for a large amount of money, they should contact the police immediately.
How far has your focus been successful?
We have already solved 200 cases since I took office. We have had people calling my office from Kedah, Pahang and Johor asking our help to get their birth certificates. We take one case at one time. My volunteers are well versed in the issue after handling so many cases.
What I can do is advise other State assemblymen and MPs on how to go about the issue if they receive cases like these. My team will also carry on with their duties.
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