He takes a keen interest in Malaysia's current affairs and politics. He also attends political talks regularly. He used to ride his motorcycle around to experience the atmosphere during election periods. However, he is only an observer and has never had the opportunity to cast a vote.

Because he has been holding a red identity card for 42 years, 54-year-old Sun Lishan cannot join any association or political party. He regrets he is not able to contribute to society. His ancestral home is Hui'an, Fujian. However, he is unable to join the Hui'an association, nor the Sun Clan association.

He used to be a council member for Chong Hwa Independent High School Alumni. Most people did not know that red IC holders are not allowed to join any organisation registered in Malaysia. When the Registry of Societies in its random checks found out that Sun was not a Malaysian citizen, they sent Sun a letter, instructing him to withdraw.

Since then, Sun realised that red IC holders are not allowed to join any registered organisation. Later, he went to help the association as a non-member. But as he was unable to integrate with the association, he gradually withdrew from the association.

“It's not that I refuse to make contributions. But I didn't have the sense of belonging because I was not allowed to join. So, I decided to leave,” said Sun.

Sun did a lot of work before he joined the printing industry. But he was not entitled to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). For business purposes, Sun went to China with a special travel permit issued by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia. Also, he went to Thailand with a visa issued by the Thai Embassy in Malaysia.

“Malaysian international passport holders may apply for a visa through travel agencies but I must apply in person at the embassy. Luckily, the duration for the special travel permit to China is two years with no entry limitation.

“But the visa application procedures for Thailand are more complicated. The visa is limited to two entries and the fee for each visa is RM300.

“I may go to China and Thailand but not Indonesia. Once the Indonesian official knew that I was holding a red IC, they gently told me that there is no need for me to apply,” he said.

Because Sun was unable to personally meet his clients in Medan and Jakarta, he had lost several big business deals. Sun wanted to apply for a blue IC since 20 years ago and in fact, he had submitted more than five applications. Sun submitted his first citizenship application in 2007 but has not yet got any reply. Sun said he will immediately register as a voter if he can get a blue IC.

“Holding a blue IC means that I can get an international passport. Then I don't have to suffer the inconvenience of visa applications,” he added.

Generally, the red IC did not bring Sun any big problems in the past 50 years but getting a blue IC will definitely be the greatest gift in his life. (Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/Sin Chew Daily)