PUTRAJAYA: Rohana Abdullah could only shed tears of joy upon receiving her citizenship approval letter from Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin today.
The extraordinary story of the 22-year-old woman who was raised by a Malaysian Chinese, Chee Hoi Lan, 83, had been published in Harian Metro on Jan 14, and gained the attention of many readers.
People were touched by the elderly woman who was willing to take care of Rohana since she was 2 months old despite their different religious backgrounds.
Rohana, however, grew up without any identification card which made life quite difficult, so much so that she had to quit school.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had also expressed concern after learning of Rohana's struggle and promised to grant her citizenship status and an identity card.
The promise was realised today when Hamzah himself handed over the letter to her.
Efforts by journalists at the event to interview Rohana failed after a woman took her and her adoptive mother away during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Hamzah said Rohana was touched and thanked the government and the Home Ministry for approving her application.
"She (Rohana) thanked him (Ismail Sabri) for getting citizenship status. I told her that we actually we didn't only just grant her application, but many others as well.
"She cried because she had been waiting a long time. The Home Ministry must investigate all matters before we approve citizenship to anyone.
"The review of the application also takes time. There are times it is fast and sometimes it is slow, depending on the particular individual.
"Some applications are smooth and fast because all the documents are complete; and sometimes, the incomplete documents will take years to resolve," he told a press conference after the handover ceremony of the citizenship approval letter here, today.
Hamzah said 34 applicants aged between 5 and 24 received citizenship approval letters. They comprised 18 male applicants and 16 female applicants.
He reminded the individuals who received their Malaysian citizenship to always adhere to the five principles of Rukun Negara and abide by the country's laws as well as make every effort to improve and contribute to the country and support the government's initiatives.
He said the parents of the applicants were also reminded to educate their children as much as possible so that they stay away from engaging in activities that could ruin their future.
"I would like to remind you of this important award, which comes with tremendous responsibility. Responsibility to the country, parents and relatives.
"I hope the recipients always adhere to the five principles of the Rukun Negara; preserve the harmony of the beloved nation. Remember that the Malaysian family members come from various backgrounds," he said.