Woman With Vietnamese Mother Finally Granted Malaysian Citizenship After 18 Years

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A woman finally received her Malaysian citizenship on her 19th birthday after waiting 18 years for it

According to China Press, the woman, surnamed Du (transliteration), was born to a Vietnamese mother and a Malaysian father a year after their marriage in 2006.

However, it was later discovered that their marriage certificate, obtained through an agency, was forged.

The situation became even more complicated after her father died when she was just 7 months old.

Du's biological mother subsequently returned to Vietnam, leaving Du stateless from a young age.

She was raised by her adoptive mother, who is also her aunt.

In 2024, Du sought help from Kota Melaka member of parliament Khoo Poay Tiong regarding her citizenship application

"She had no birth certificate and no MyKad since she was young, meaning she could not enjoy the normal welfare and benefits of a citizen like other ordinary children," Khoo said.

The lawmaker added that Du's adoptive mother had repeatedly applied for citizenship on her behalf, but the applications were rejected multiple times and faced numerous obstacles.

However, after continuous follow-ups and coordination by Khoo, including a meeting with the Minister of Home Affairs in February 2025, Du finally received good news in April this year.

Just a month before her birthday, Du successfully obtained her MyKad and officially become a Malaysian citizen.

Her adoptive mother admitted that her greatest worry over the past 18 years was Du's lack of legal identity and uncertain future.

"Before we received help, every application failed. We were devastated and worried that she would not be able to continue her education, find a job, or even carry out many basic tasks in life," she said.

She added that after receiving assistance from Khoo, Du was finally able to secure her MyKad, easing years of emotional burden.

"Now I can finally feel at ease; she can live like a normal person from now on," she said.