Temporary citizens' right to vote in referendum cancelled

On Wednesday, the president gave the green light to hold a referendum this year on amendments to the country's military-drafted constitution. Earlier, parliament voted to give the voting right to temporary citizens, so-called white card holders. It sparked fury among Buddhist monks and Buddhist nationals, as about 600,000 white card holders are Muslims calling themselves Rohingya.

President Thein Sein said Thursday that the temporary identification cards for people seeking citizenship would become invalid at the end of March. The move impacts many Muslims who are considered illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Monk U Pamaukkha, who joined the protest, welcomed the decision. 

 “Pink-coloured citizenship cards must be issued to those entitled after scrutiny in accordance with the 1982 Citizenship Law. It is important not to fringe the provisions of the law. I’m worry that national citizenship cards might be issued to those who are not entitled to. We will wait and see as we fear that some might give money to the Immigration Department to get citizenship cards,” commented the monk. 

Rakhine National Party chairman Dr Aye Maung said the president needs to apply pressure on the Immigration Department which granted temporary national identity cards to those who are entitled as well as those who are not entitled to citizenship. 

"Concerned officials should make systematic measures to take responsibility.”