§ 31. Mr. Wyattasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Chinese, Indians and Sinhalese have registered as federal citizens in Malaya; and what is the ratio of those who have registered to the total population of Malaya.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsA conservative estimate of the numbers of non-Malays who are automatically federal citizens under the present citizenship law is 350,000 Chinese, 225,000 Indians and 45,000 others, i.e. 1 in 8 of the total population. Approximately 154,320 Chinese and 6,690 Indians and others have been granted certificates of citizenship on application, i.e. 1 in 33 of the population.
§ Mr. WyattWould not my right hon. Friend agree that that is an extraordinarily small proportion of the population to have applied for registration of 2072 federal citizenship; and would he do everything in his power to impress upon those who are entitled to apply the advantages of full citizenship, and make it as easy and attractive as possible?
§ Mr. GriffithsYes, Sir.