Our Minister is so kind....

[BuiKia]

Very kind but is there no minimum requirement to become citizen anymore? Can anyhow give?

His father's most urgent wish was for him to be a citizen.

I met this cherubic boy and his father in September 2011. The father had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Amongst the many concerns he had, the most urgent was to make sure his son became a citizen - so that he could continue to live in Singapore no matter what happened.

I asked the little boy what he wanted. He coughed loudly, and I looked puzzled at his parents. He told me he was coughing because his father was coughing a lot (due to the cancer), and he wanted to be just like his father.

He brought tears to many eyes that night. We managed to appeal for citizenship for him, and his father passed away in March 2012 reassured that his son will always be a Singaporean.

A timely reminder of how precious life and citizenship is. I felt really good when I met him again at my Meet-the-People session last night.

There is no question in my mind that this boy deserved to be granted citizenship - he does for the sake of his Singaporean father.

I was moved by his father's courage, calmness, concern and belief in Singapore's future despite his extreme circumstances - and hence this post in his honour.

From time to time, there will be cases that do not fulfil the usual criteria. Every case is unique, and that's why we have a formal and open system of appeal where Members of Parliament can appeal on behalf of their residents.

I regularly appeal to ICA for many residents - and I think there have been times where I have appealed for around twenty times for the same resident - I have a very thick skin ;-)

I would advise persons who merit a review of their cases to consult your local MP. I am sure they will do their best.

Our families are the most precious part of our lives, and I wish you and your families all the very best.