A dream come true, finally
Grandfather gets citizenship after trying for 20 years
PONTIAN: After four failed attempts to get his citizenship in the last 20 years, a 69-year-old retired fisherman finally got his MyKad from the National Registration Department (NRD).
Pua Ah Tee, who was born in Pontian in 1952, first applied for citizenship in 1996 but was rejected. He tried three more times in 2001, 2011 and 2018.
As he was born before Merdeka, his family did not apply for citizenship for him when the country gained independence.
He said he was expecting his application for citizenship to be rejected again.
“So, I decided to seek help from Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng, who is Tanjung Piai MP, in July last year.
“It was a relief when I received the long-awaited news that my application to be a Malaysian had been accepted by the department.
“My family and I are grateful that I am finally a legitimate citizen,” said the grandfather of three.
He said the 20 years waiting for his citizenship was a painful experience but he was glad the entire episode is now behind him following the help from Wee and his team.
As a token of appreciation, Pua presented the MP with a cake at his constituency office recently.
Wee, who is also Deputy Primary Industry and Commodities Minister, said he was touched by Pua’s unexpected gesture.
“I was only doing the best I can in my capacity as a people’s representative. I am happy to assist them, especially in matters related to citizenship as it is a long and tedious process,” he said.