On the verge of an adventure

Pilgrim is about to undertake one of the most exciting adventure in its life. The journey will take Pilgrim thousands of miles from home.. following the pillar of smoke by day and fire by night. It will be exciting... scary.. filled with extremes of emotions and everything else in between. Sad to leave loved ones and family behind, but Pilgrim is grateful that God has given the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures, hopefully make new friends and cherish old ones left behind.

Oath taking at ICA

After submitting all the necessary documents to the Malaysian High Commission, you will be issued a temporary Certificate of Renunciation within 10 working days. The actual certificate (Form K) will be issued 2 years later.

Your appointment with ICA to take the Oath of Renunciation, Allegiance and Loyalty is stated in the Singapore citizenship application letter of approval. If you cannot make it on the given date, you may change it online provided you have attended the National Education Experience (NEE).

When you attend the NEE, you must be dressed appropriately - no jeans, shorts, t-shirt, slippers etc - instructions are given clearly in the letter of approval. Reason for proper attire - you will enter the Parliament building & dressing appropriate is a sign of respect.

On the day of your appointment at ICA, go to 6th floor with:

• Singapore citizenship application letter of approval
• Temporary Form K
• Singapore pledge card obtained at NEE
• Singapore blue IC
• Passport photo x 4
• Deed poll (if necessary)
  

After taking the oath in front of a Commissioner of Oath, you will be given a temporary Singapore IC. You may apply for a Singapore passport the very same day. The passport will be ready within 4 working days. Your pink IC will be issued with 3-6 months. You will receive a letter to notify you about the date & venue.

Read the letter from ICA carefully and the process at ICA will, relatively, be a breeze.

Renunciation of Malaysian Citizenship

Disclaimer: This post does not have any pictures. Read on only if you want to get a rough idea of what to expect when you decide to renounce your Malaysian citizenship to take up Singapore citizenship. Procedures in the civil service change. Therefore, what is applicable today may not be applicable tomorrow.

Firstly, send in your application for Singapore citizenship. It took ICA 6 months to send me a letter of approval. Bring this letter of approval to the Malaysian High Commission - Consular Section - to obtain:

• Borang (Form) K
• Appointment date to submit the Borang K
  

You don't need to bring any photos, passports, birth certificate yet. I went to obtain the Borang K in mid-December and my appointment date to submit it was in late April 2009. You could try to negotiate for an earlier date but you would have to convince the officer. I have observed people trying. Some were successful, others not.

Documents to be submitted together with Borang K on your appointment day:

• Malaysian IC - original and 2 photocopies
• Malaysian BC - original (must be laminated) and 2 photocopies
• Malaysian PP - including expired copies.
  
• Lost of passport police report - If you did not keep all your passports from your very first one to the present one you are using, go to any police post in Singapore to make a police report. You must submit the original police report.
• Parents' IC - 2 photocopies for each parent. Originals are not needed
  If any of your parent is deceased, you have to provide 2 photocopies of the death certificate (this is what I overheard).
• 3 passport photos - with blue background.
  
• Deed poll - only if your name in the BC is different from Singapore IC etc. If you changed your name but don't have a deed poll, I can't help you. You better consult a lawyer.
  

If you need help, any kind of help, pay Louis Lee a visit at:

WTLEE Services
Block 77, #01-499
Indus Road
Singapore 161077
HP: 97933633

Speak to him, explain your situation and ask for his help. This is a business, therefore do expect to pay a fee. His motto is "Malaysia Boleh".

I have read other reports about consular officers being rude. This is far from true. They are friendly and helpful, you just need to be nice to them. Put yourself in their shoes, having to deal with so many people with so many demands day in day out. What goes around comes around.

I observed one young female (young enough to be internet savvy and research the procedure on the internet) who wanted a different appointment date than the one given. The officer tried to accommodate and gave the female 3 dates, all of which were rejected by the latter for various reasons like "I have to take leave", "I have to go overseas to work" or "I won't be in Singapore". She was just holding up the queue. Actually, I felt she behaved like a brat. Personally, I feel the people who are rude are the Apro security guards, and the occasional Malaysian applicant.

Wishing you all the best in renouncing your Malaysian citizenship.