POKOK SENA: This upcoming Aidilfitri will be the most memorable one for Muhammad Ramadhan Abdullah as he will be celebrating the festive month as an official Malaysian citizen.
The 21-year-old was all smiles as he received his citizenship certificate from Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail at Masjid An-Nur here yesterday evening.
"Alhamdulillah, I am grateful and relieved that I finally received this citizenship certificate.
"It was the best news ever during this blessed month of Ramadan when I received a phone call on Friday to receive the certificate today.
"I am looking forward to finally applying for a MyKad soon," said jubilant Ramadhan, who was accompanied by his aunt Sobihah Shapie, 48.
Sobihah, from Kampung Alor Binjai, Tajar in Alor Star, thanked Saifuddin and the NRD for expediting Ramadhan's citizenship application.
"My parents had applied for Ramadhan's citizenship application back in 2016 but it was unsuccessful.
"Last year, we reapplied and Alhamdulillah, this time the process went smoothly.
"This is the best Aidilfitri gift ever for our family. We are very grateful to see Ramadhan finally able to fully live his life as a Malaysian citizen," she said.
Ramadhan was one of the 12 stateless individuals who received their citizenship certificate during the Menyemai Kasih Rakyat (Mekar) programme organised by the National Registration Department (NRD) at Masjid An-Nur here yesterday evening.
They have filed the application under Section 15A and Section 15(1) of the Federal Constitution.
According to the NRD, between January 2024 and Mar 15, a total of 441 Mekar programmes have been organised nationwide with 10,842 transactions processed throughout the events.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Saifuddin said the procedure for citizenship application under Section 15A of the Federal Constitution for foundlings will remain following the government's decision to drop two proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution pertaining to the citizenship of foundlings.
"From our intensive consultations with the stakeholders, there was a strong tendency for Section 19B and Section 14(1)(e) regarding foundlings to remain as it is under the operation of law.
"Following the decision, applicants for citizenship involving foundlings still require three reports namely by the hospital, by the doctor and by the Welfare Services Department.
"If they are able to present all the three reports, the applicants may proceed to apply for the birth certificate that certifies the child as a citizen.
"If they are unable to present all the three reports, the application will be processed through the "registration" option.
