Double standards by the Home Affairs Ministry in speedy approval in Permanent Resident (PR) status for Rexy Ronald Maniaky within two years as compared to Han Jian and tens of thousands of other applicants

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Press Statement  

by Lim Guan Eng

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(Melaka, Saturday): Whilst DAP does not object to the Home Affairs Ministry granting PR status to national badminton doubles coach Rexy Ronald Mainaky and his family, such speedy approval within two years smacks of double-standards. Being given PR status after only coming into Malaysia in 2005 is so different from the difficulties faced by another former Malaysia national badminton coach, Han Jian, and tens of thousands of other applicants, especially foreign spouses married to Malaysians.  

Former singles world champion and Chinese national Han Jian, first arrived in Malaysia in 1989 to become its national coach and helped Malaysia reached the finals of the Thomas Cup in 1990 and winning it in 1992. Despite his achievements in helping Malaysia winning the world team championship in the Thomas Cup, Han Jian had to apply 8 times and wait 13 years before his PR was finally approved in 2002.  

Han Jian’s 13 years wait contrasts with Rexy Maniaky who got his PR approved within 2 years despite not winning any world championship for Malaysia as a coach. Even Rexy was really surprised when he said, “I didn’t have any idea I would be getting my PR today as I was told it takes more than 10 years before an application is approved.” 

Under the Federal Constitution, If you wish to apply to be a permanent resident of Malaysia you must have lived in the country continuously for at least 5 years under a valid Entry Permit. There are so many cases of foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens who were not granted PR even though they have stayed for more than 10 years. And yet Rexy was given special treatment by getting PR within 2 years after coming to Malaysia as national coach in 2005. 

DAP calls on the Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad to correct this injustice and hardship faced by foreign spouses of citizens and applicants who have waited for nearly 20 years without getting their PR. Otherwise Mohd Radzi would be seen to be heading a department that is high-handed, irresponsible and arbitrary in the exercise of its powers.