GEORGE TOWN: The ordeal of not having a MyKad is now over for a Penang-born chap as he can now go about doing things as a true-blue Malaysian.
Ong Kim Nan, 20, has endured not only the loss of his mother but the difficulties of being considered stateless.
The ecstatic grocery store worker said he now wishes to get a driver's licence.
"I am happy to finally have all the documentation I need as a Malaysian.
"I can now have my own phone SIM card, bank account and even learn to drive or ride a motorcycle.
"These will definitely help me as I need a bank account for my salary to be banked in," he said when met at Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng's service centre in George Town on Wed (Sept 2).
Ong said the issue with his citizenship status stemmed from his mother being from China.
"My father is Malaysian but my parents did not have proper marriage certification.
"My mother and I first applied for Malaysian citizenship in 2018 but were rejected. We then made another application in 2022.
"While I had a birth certificate, I did not have further documents," he said.
Ong said his mother died in 2024, and the process to obtain a MyKad continued with the support of his guardians.
Wong said that while the whole process took almost four years, it is still possible to obtain one's MyKad.
He said Wong and the Penang Citizenship Programme (PKPP) worked together to help Ong obtain his MyKad.
"His (Ong's) circumstances made it harder as his parents were separated and it was difficult to find photo documentation to prove his parentage.
"It is always better if, in such situations, parents have the required documentation and make the application early on.
"While Ong completed his primary and secondary school, he was not considered Malaysian, which meant he had to pay for his own fees and books.
"Now that he has a MyKad, it will make his life much better as he can enjoy healthcare benefits, have a bank account, a licence and purchase property as well," he said.
Wong said it helped that a family friend stepped in as Ong's guardian to assist in obtaining documents to prove his parentage.
"They approached the hospital where Ong was born to get the documentation he needed.
"These things are important and I urge parents to always have proof, including family photos if they are in such a situation," he said.
Wong said the goal is to create awareness that obtaining a MyKad is possible if you have the proof.
"We are assisting many similar cases in this process. It may not be easy, but one should try as it is possible.
"We understand many may be at a loss but they can always reach out to PKPP for assistance," he said.
