A TAILOR’S dream of furthering her studies and making it in life had been an impossible feat due to her inability to obtain a study loan.
Like most people, Siti Aesa Syuaib, 28, wanted to further her studies immediately after her SPM examinations but could not obtain a study loan because she lacked Malaysian citizenship.
Siti Aesa, who was born in Indonesia and moved to Malaysia when she was six months old with her family, said she applied for citizenship twice but was rejected both times.
However, her long wait has finally ended as Siti Aesa was among 32 people who received their Malaysian citizenship certificates from Deputy Home Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong in Klang last week.
All smiles: Siti Aesa showing her citizenship certificate to husband Hairun Nazri, 35, as their children Amirah Haris and Azfaridal look on. She said it was a huge relief to have finally been granted citizenship as it had been very difficult holding a red identity card.
“Not only did I not get to further my studies, I could not own a house because banks would not approve my loan application.
“Finally, after 16 years, I am a Malaysian citizen and it definitely feels good,” said Siti Aesa.
She added that she would consider continuing her studies, despite being married with two children, aged five months and six years.
Lee, meanwhile said problems with citizenship often surfaced due to children being born out of wedlock between a Malaysian and a foreigner.
“Such ‘marriages’ affect the children. Hence, couples should get themselves registered with the National Registration Department (NRD) immediately to avoid these problems from arising,” he said.
Lee also urged those without citizenship to get themselves registered with the NRD to avoid any trouble.
Among the 32 applicants who received their citizenships, 20 were Chinese, six were Malays and four were Indians. Also present at the ceremony was Klang Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Teh Kim Poo.
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