Please pardon my ignorance if I am wrong about the Malaysian government's stand on citizenship. We have been made to understand that Malaysian citizenship is not a birthright even for children born in the country.

When children are born to Malaysian parents, they must apply for citizenship. Then only can they be eligible for Malaysian identity cards and passports. Any Malaysian who takes up citizenship with another country is deemed to have given up his or her birthright.

I am puzzled why the Malaysian government has gone all out to claim that the 13-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by our police while under their custody in Sabah is a Malaysian. Has the Malaysian government a hidden agenda in this case?

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should clarify this to quell any rumour that the government has evil intention behind this move and to keep peace among the people.