COMMENT | Two weeks ago, the nation was rocked by the news of a syndicate in Penang that was involved in the issuance and sale of fraudulent birth certificates and MyKads to Chinese nationals, as well as falsification of birth documents.

What was most shocking was the alleged involvement of an officer from the National Registration Department (NRD) in the syndicate.

According to news reports, six people, including the state NRD assistant director, were charged in the Sessions Court. They face a total of 32 counts for various offences in connection with the issuance and sale of MyKads to foreigners...