PORT KLANG: Two young individuals are hoping to turn their lives around and achieve their dreams by becoming full-fledged citizens of this country.
Chim Jun Hao, 11, is supposed to sit for next year’s Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination while Ang Zhong Xin, 18, wants to work as a chef overseas.
The boys, however, are stateless and have yet to receive a MyKad despite applying for a Malaysian citizenship several times.
Both of them were adopted by their foster parents.
Without an identification card, they are unable to open a bank account, apply for a medical card or travel abroad.
Jun Hao’s father, Chim Tuck Leong, 48, said he hopes his son’s application will be approved soon as his son is supposed to sit for UPSR next year.
“Besides that, I have tried to purchase a medical insurance for my son, but was not allowed to do so because he does not have an identification card,” he told reporters here today.
Meanwhile, Zhong Xin’s father, Ang Kain Heng, 55, said his son’s previous MyKad applications were unsuccessful.
“My son is currently working as a cook at a restaurant and was offered to work overseas.
“However, he is unable to accept the offer because he cannot apply for a passport. I really hope his application will be approved this time.”
Present was Klang MCA Public Complaints and Services bureau deputy chief Datuk Tan Bok Koon.
Tan said he received 28 similar cases involving stateless children who encountered trouble claiming their rights as Malaysian citizens.
“We hope their applications will be successful after receiving a letter of support from Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong,” he added.