ROMPIN, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The government should consider offering Permanent Resident (PR) status to more than 200,000 former Malaysian nationals who are now United States citizens to create a strong economic network between both countries, said Malaysian Ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Jamaludin Jarjis.'

He said this was because most of the former Malaysians worked in various professional fields and held important posts in multi-national companies, which could benefit Malaysia.

"Although they are no longer Malaysian citizens and no longer want to be, their heart still lies in Malaysia," he told reporters at an Aidilfitri function at his residence, here yesterday.

Jamaludin said the presence of former Malaysians in the country would also inject foreign currency into the economy each year.

He said if one of them spent as much US$10,000 (RM38,000) in the country, about US$2 billion (RM7.6 billion) would be channeled into Malaysia anually.

Jamaluddin said the suggestion to offer PR status would be brought up to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is scheduled to have a four-eyed meeting with US President Barrack Obama by year-end.

At the same time, Jamaludin suggested that the Tourism Ministry create a "Malaysia Still My Home" concept, similar to the "Malaysia My Second Home" concept in the United States.

He said through this scheme, former Malaysian nationals can stay longer in the country for holiday or to be with their families.

"In several Aidilfitri functions held in Washington, New York and Chicago, former Malaysians there expressed their pride in Malaysia's achievements and the Prime Minister's 1Malaysia idea," he said.

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/30331