300,000 – that’s the number of red IC holders in Malaysia, says Zahid Hamidi

Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/300000-thats-the-number-of-red-ic-holders-in-malaysia-says-zahid-hamidi (BY YISWAREE PALANSAMY, 23/10/2013)
There are almost 300,000 people in the country who are holders of red identification cards with permanent resident’s status.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (BN-Bagan Datoh) said today that up to September this year, the number of red IC holders with PR status numbered 295,601.

Out of this, 9,472 are Malays; 21,530 Chinese; and 30,619 Indians. Those categorised as “others” however make up the majority, numbering 233,980.

"The granting of a Malaysian citizen status to an individual is the highest accord from the Federal Government, which is not something given out freely to applicants," he said in a written reply to Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut).

Ahmad Zahid said the citizenship is only granted to those who qualify as stated under Section 3 of the Federal Constitution.

"However, one has to note that the burden to prove their worthiness of citizenship falls upon the applicants themselves."

He said the government would only give consideration based on documents submitted as well as provisions in the law at material time. - October 23, 2013.