Kota Kemuning assemblyman Preakas Sampunathan (left) attends to a senior citizen applying for adoption at the MyIdentiti programme in Kota Kemuning. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
FOR decades, a child of a Malaysian woman would not be automatically recognised as a citizen if the father was a foreigner.
But, with landmark amendments to the Federal Constitution last year, the rights of these mothers and their children have finally been acknowledged.
Now, such children under 18 can apply for citizenship under Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution.
This change has given hope to countless families.
This new legal avenue is supported by a government initiative called the myIdentiti programme, which brings registration services to residents’ doorsteps.
Preakas (left) attending to a senior citizen at the myIdentiti programme at Dewan MBSA in Kemuning Utama, Shah Alam. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
A programme was organised in Kota Kemuning by the assemblyman’s office and National Registration Department (JPN).
It offered services for birth registration, MyKad renewals, Disabled Person (OKU) card and document corrections.
Kota Kemuning assemblyman Preakas Sampunathan said myIdentiti ensures government services are more accessible, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, low-income families and those in remote areas.
“The myIdentiti programme is proof of our continuous efforts to ensure the people can access basic services without difficulty,” said Preakas during the event, which was held at Dewan MBSA in Kemuning Utama, Shah Alam.
The programme was timely for Malaysian mothers hoping to register their overseas-born children as it removes logistical obstacles and provides assistance to families navigating the amended citizenship procedures.
“We want every Malaysian-born child to be registered and every individual to have a valid personal identification document,” added Preakas.
Queues formed early at the hall as families turned up with documents in hand, eager to secure identification papers that would open doors to education, healthcare and legal protection.
“Not every problem can be solved today. Even if they are eligible, we still need to follow the rules.
“If they are not entitled, we will tell them. They need to be clear on the processes,” said Preakas.
Among those present was an Indonesian woman, who declined to be named, and her twin teenage daughters.
She was there with her Malaysian husband to apply for her daughters’ Malaysian citizenship.
Holding back tears, she said her husband has late stage cancer and expressed the hope that they will be successful this time without further setbacks.
A Malaysian woman, who wanted to be known as Sherry, was also there to expedite the adoption process of her 14-year-old daughter.
“Today, I hope to get some clarity from the authorities because I have been through this process many times with no success,” she said.
Officials at the event guided attendees through the required paperwork, explaining procedures and helping to verify documents on the spot.
The JPN van was also at the premises to help people renew or replace their MyKad.
Regarding floods in Kota Kemuning, Preakas said he was disappointed at the lack of attention given to his constituency.
“They (state and federal governments) know Kota Kemuning is a flood-prone area, but every time we ask, they cite a lack of funds.
“I wrote to the Works Ministry seeking funds as the drains in Kota Kemuning need to undergo maintenance and upgrades.
“Until today, the JKR (Public Works Department) Selangor director has not got in touch with me.
“Climate change is happening; we have to be proactive to ensure people are safe and do not have to suffer unnecessarily,” he said.
