Wrong Record May Reduce Size of Christian Population
 The National Registration Department’s ‘mistake’ in wrongly recording the religion of non-Malay MyKad holders could have serious repercussions on the non-Malay communities as it misrepresents the size of the Christian population and undermine the political clout of Christians in their participation in nation-building.
The issue of wrong recording was raised by the media, which have reported cases of non-Malays who found their religion wrongly recorded when they checked their MyKad data at the department (NRD). Some who are Christians were listed as Buddhists or Sikhs, while others who are non-Muslims were listed as Muslims.
The affected MyKad holders had said they stated their religion in the form when applying for the new identity card.
Since then, many people, particularly Christians, have checked their MyKad data, and many have found their religion wrongly recorded. This has aroused the suspicion that the problem is far more widespread than it seems.
In response to the errors, NRD director-general Datuk Wan Ibrahim Wan Ahmad said, “…changes on religion could not be made without proof as the department had to be accountable.” (NST, July 17). NRD public relations officer Jainisah Mohd Noor later said the procedure of signing a declaration form was necessary for the department’s documentation (NST, July 27).
WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS
- Presumptuous Claim NRD’s claim of extracting information on religion from the applicants’ birth certificates is presumptuous. A person may have converted from the religion that is stated in the birth certificate. Hence the NRD ought to verify with MyKad applicants and not voluntarily profess a religion for them.
- Inefficiency NRD has not made changes even when applicants provide the correct information when they filled in the application form.
- Inconsistent administration Some NRD counter clerks are able to make immediate amendments, while others ask for proof of change of religion or refer applicants to higher-ranking officers.
- Inconsistent responses The NRD DG said changes of religion could not be made without proof, while the department’s PRO said individuals only need to sign a declaration form to declare their new religion.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
- No Legal Implication
Even though the law empowers the Registration Officer to amend wrong information upon proof (Regulation 13 of the National Registration Regulations 1960), the change of religion (other than Islam) does not have legal implication, unlike a change of name. There is therefore no necessity to prove a change of religion.
- Free to Choose
Non-Muslims are not affected by the requirement imposed on Muslims to have the Syariah Court certify their religious status. Non-Muslims are therefore absolutely free to choose their religion – except Islam – and to change it at will. A pronouncement or declaration by an adult of evident sound mind should suffice, especially on matters on personal religion.
- Minors
In the case of a minor, it should be accepted that they follow the religion as dictated by their parents (until they decide to choose otherwise at 18 years).
- No Need to Prove
As religion is a personal matter for the individual, and as the provision for religious freedom in Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution supersedes NRD regulations, there is therefore no necessity to prove religion (baptism certificates or declaration forms) as a procedural or evidential matter.
In response to the situation, NECF wrote to the relevant authorities, including the Home Affairs Ministry, expressing concern over the above issues and seeking assistance to rectify them. Following NECF’s letters, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Datuk Tan Chai Ho directed its ministry’s secretary-general Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat to rectify the mistakes.
NECF also wrote to all its member churches informing them of the issue and urging them to check their MyKad data.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Meanwhile, Malaysian Christians can do their part by ensuring their MyKad data are correct by taking the following measures. (The NRD is obligated to provide personal data when asked by MyKad holders.)
- When collecting your MyKad, request for an immediate printout and check that your particulars, especially religion, are correctly entered.
- Get an acknowledgement from the NRD officer when you surrender your MyKad for correction.
- Request the officer to correct any error on the spot and ensures he/she enters the correct information into the computer.
- Get another printout and check again.
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