LETTERS: I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail in the quest for my adopted child's citizenship.
My journey as a parent began almost 10 years ago when my husband and I were blessed with a daughter, who was given to us to be raised well.
It was a joyous occasion, but there was also trepidation as her future was uncertain as a stateless child.
I never once imagined that the path to citizenship would be filled with so many challenges.
We were informed that a year would be the shortest waiting period for approval once the relevant documents were accepted. But a year later, we found that our case was still under review.
Subsequently, whenever we checked, we were told that our application was still being processed and the decision would reach us through official mail.
The agony of waiting went on for nine years. Over the years, we had almost given up hope on raising our daughter to be a part of a country she could be proud of and contribute to.
However, in late 2022, Datuk Seri Saifuddin was appointed home minister and vowed to expedite the amendments to citizenship provisions in the Federal Constitution. We began to believe that perhaps this minister really cares.
True enough, we received a letter from the Home Ministry a year later. Our application was approved!
The granting of citizenship was a life-changing moment for us, and for countless others like us who have benefited from the minister's commitment to justice and inclusivity.
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Datuk Seri Saifuddin and his team for their efforts and consideration, demonstrating that the Madani government embraces the dreams and aspirations of the people, regardless of their origins.
I am confident that my daughter will flourish as a Malaysian and contribute towards the nation's continued progress and prosperity.
TAI LEE SAR
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times