In a heartwarming turn of events, a 38-year-old woman from Johor, Malaysia, who lived as a stateless person for nearly four decades, has finally been recognized as a Malaysian citizen after a long battle for rectification of her birth certificate.

Known only as D to protect her identity, she celebrated her newfound status upon receiving a corrected birth certificate from the National Registration Department (NRD). “I feel as if I am reborn! And free of all feelings of worry,” she expressed joyfully.

The Journey of Statelessness

D's troubles began at birth. Born to Indonesian parents who have resided in Malaysia since 1984, she should have qualified for Malaysian citizenship under the country’s laws. However, an error during the registration process led to her being recorded as the child of two foreigners, leaving her stateless. This bureaucratic blunder, coupled with her parents' illiteracy regarding legal procedures, resulted in a birth certificate that labeled her as a foreigner, thus stripping her of her rights.

A Life in Limbo

For years, D has faced the harsh realities of statelessness, unable to enroll in secondary school or open a bank account, while taking care of her siblings. The misfortune extended to her three children, who, due to their mother's status, were also born stateless.

Living in an area prone to immigration raids, D dealt with constant fear of detention. In July 2022, she and her children were arrested during one such raid, leading to a court case that highlighted the alarmingly inhumane circumstances faced by stateless families.

A New Dawn: Legal Awakening

In a significant legal battle, D sought recognition in the High Court, where her citizenship case gained momentum. Following insights from her lawyer, they pursued a lawsuit against multiple governmental entities for the declaration of her citizenship.

Finally, a DNA test confirmed her biological relationship with her parents, prompting the NRD to correct her details. By February 27, 2023, D was issued a revised birth certificate confirming her status as a Malaysian citizen.

Restoring Dignity and Hope

With her citizenship now recognized, D’s hopes for a better life soared. She aspires for her children to have the opportunities that citizenship will provide, including access to education and social services.

Active support from non-governmental organizations like Buku Jalanan Chow Kit has been pivotal in assisting D and her family towards regaining their dignity. Her journey from fear and uncertainty to empowerment serves as a testament to resilience. As D begins this new chapter in her life, her story sheds light on the systemic challenges stateless persons face and the importance of rectifying these injustices.

D remarked, “I want my children to go to school and enjoy all the facilities provided to Malaysian citizens.” With a fresh start ahead, D and her children look forward to embracing their rightful place in society.