PUTRAJAYA should stop looking at the issue of Malaysian transnational families from a law-and-order angle and consider it from a developmental perspective, said Klang MP Charles Santiago.

Speaking at a webinar organised by the Foreign Spouses Support Group on Facebook yesterday, the DAP lawmaker said civil society must counter the narrative set by the government and the related agencies to make their voices heard.

“The government sees this issue from the law-and-order point of view and not looking at it from a development perspective.

“This explains why there are so many unclear rules and regulations and this allows arbitrary decisions from civil servants at the Immigration Department.

“We need to push for a development approach. What is there to gain from foreign spouses? What is there to gain for Malaysia’s economy? What losses are there for Malaysia if we do not include foreign spouses as part of Malaysia’s family?”

As in other parts of the developed world, transnational marriages are increasing in Malaysia as more Malaysians go overseas for education and business.

Non-Malaysian spouses face many challenges despite living here for years, with their immigration status remaining uncertain with restrictions on their right to work. They are repeatedly required to apply for visas to stay in Malaysia.

A Mongolian woman married to a Malaysian man also shared her experience.

Gul Jan, who is married for 14 years and studied at a local university in finance, has had her spouse visa application rejected several times without reason.

She is unable to get a job in any financial institution because of her status, although she has the qualification.

To this, Charles said there is a lack of trust allowing foreigners to work in local financial institutions but there was also double standard practised by the government in bringing foreign financial advisers.

“Financial institutions are about secrecy and so there is a lack of trust. This is because of the government’s law and order perspective. She could be a foreign spy.

“However, people who advise the government are all foreigners, the World Bank, for example. They can come and advise the government on financial matters. This shows a clear double standard.”

A Malaysian, who is married to a foreigner, shared her experience of trying to obtain her husband’s foreign spouse visa.

Peggy said she was given different instructions from different immigration officers when she tried to apply for her husband’s visa.

“The regulation is not stated clearly. One time when I went to the Immigration Department in Jalan Duta, I was asked to bring a certain type of document although I had brought along my marriage certificate.

“Then when I returned with the document, another officer told me that I need to bring another type of documentation which is not stated in the list of documentation,” said Peggy.

Peggy said this was done during the movement-control order.

“The stress level is high. I am so worried about my husband’s visa. He is the sole breadwinner. What would happen to my family if he does not receive his foreign spouse visa?”

Charles said he is baffled as to why Malaysia is not protecting its citizenship.

“We live in a globalised world. Our citizens studied abroad, worked abroad, they met their partners and decided to have a family.

“The government should enable this environment. Our neighbours have allowed that. For example, Singapore and Thailand. Let the families work.” – January 30, 2021.