Good news: Chen with Kong showing off her new MyKad. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: For 23 years, Chen Pau Yee lived as a stateless person, unable to enjoy the basic rights most Malaysians take for granted.
Without citizenship and a MyKad, simple things like enrolling in public school or seeking medical care became a constant struggle – all because she was born to an unwed Malaysian father and a Thai national mother.
“Upon getting the necessary approvals for enrolment, my father, who works as a plumber, had to fork out extra money for school fees.
“I was also not entitled to borrow textbooks, so I resorted to sharing with classmates or photocopying the books to keep up with lessons,” she said.
Despite sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations with her teacher’s help, she was unable to obtain the certificate needed for tertiary education.
Growing up in Kampung Baru Seelong in Kulai with her 51-year-old father and grandparents, Chen also missed out on many school field trips.
To help ease her family’s burden, she took on odd jobs after secondary school, but said her lack of status left her vulnerable to exploitation.
“Some employers took advantage by giving me a salary that was much lower than the market rate, and also made me work overtime without pay,” she said.
All that changed two years ago when she met village chief Kong Kah Seng, who had just been appointed to the position.
With his help, Chen and her family submitted her citizenship application and after two years of back-and-forth, her efforts finally paid off.
On July 5, Chen received her MyKad.
“It felt surreal to hold the blue MyKad in my hands. A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I can finally do my part to help my family.
“I immediately went to open a bank account and signed up for driving lessons the very next day so I can be more independent and have them worry less about me,” she said.
Chen now hopes to secure a stable job, save up and pursue further studies.
“I want to make my family proud. I’m considering accounting, Chinese medicine or culinary arts because I really enjoy baking,” she said.
Kong, who was recently reappointed as village chief for a second term, said Chen and her family were fully committed to the process.
Kong, 29, added that he is handling four more stateless cases and will continue helping those who deserve a shot at citizenship.
