83-Year-Old Man Receives Citizenship After Living In Malaysia For Almost 70 Years

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An 83-year-old man has finally become a Malaysian citizen after living in the country for 69 years

According to Bernama, Chan Weng Poh received his MyKad during the Penang Citizenship Programme press conference in George Town yesterday, 7 September.

Chan arrived in Penang in 1957 at the age of 15, having embarked on a week-long journey by ship from China to start a new life. Malaysia had not yet achieved independence at the time.

He told China Press that he had previously been a red MyKad holder, identifying him as a permanent resident.

Because he lacked Malaysian citizenship, he was never eligible for government aid, often leaving him feeling unfairly treated.

"Now, I finally feel a sense of equality, and I've also received the government's SARA financial aid," he said.

Chan said some of his friends who emigrated from Singapore 40 years ago never received citizenship, which discouraged from applying himself

However, he began pursuing the application more seriously several years ago, when then-prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad urged people in his position to apply.

Now living on Jalan Dato Keramat in George Town, Chan expressed his excitement about casting his first vote in the next general election, having never before had the chance to exercise his democratic right.

He currently runs a clothing business and, having served many Malay customers over the years, has become fluent in the language.

Chan added that he looks forward to travelling abroad with a passport, recalling how difficult it was in the past when he had to apply for a special pass to visit relatives in China.

During the press conference, 13 other individuals also received their MyKad.

Introduced in 2013, the Penang Citizenship Programme has processed 3,504 applications, with 579 approved, reported Bernama.