MELAKA: The Chitty community in the state here will be submitting documents for proof of their identity to the Federal government in their quest to obtain the Bumiputera status.
Local Chitty community trustees, Palaneer Maniam said the community is working hard to gather all documents required to serve as a proof that they are the genuine members of the Chitty community and the documents would be submitted soon.
"The reason why we were rejected previously because there were members of the Indian community who shared similar names with us and this had led to confusion.
"Now we are digging up all of our old evidence with supporting documents to help us obtain the status of Bumiputera for all the Melaka Chitty community across Malaysia," he told New Straits Times during a health campaign here.
The health campaign today was organised by Sri Poyatha Venagar Moorthi Temple and the local Chitty community.
Kota Melaka councillor Harun Ali acknowledged the presence of the Chitty community that has been around for generations with unique traditional cultures in the country.
"During my schooling days, I used to walk from school and would pass by this village. I recalled the Chitty community here being extremely friendly," he said after launching the 'Jom Sihat' health campaign in Kampung Budaya Chetti, today.
Several booths with free check-ups were prepared including health screening test for high blood pressure, diabetes and breast cancer and dental examination.
In October last year, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron had told the Chitty community not give up on their request to obtain the Bumiputera status.
Idris added that the Federal government should carry out a comprehensive study on the local Chitty community and recognise their contributions appropriately instead of denying them their rights.
Last month, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz had said that the local Peranakan Chinese community also had the right to pursue Bumiputera status, as the Peranakan Chinese community had an extended history which dates back to more than 500 years.
