SINTOK: Mohd Omar Mokhtar Abdul Rahman's prayers to pursue his studies were answered when he was among the 4,067 new students enrolling in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) today.
Omar, 20, was previously stateless, which posed difficulties to further his education despite getting a 4.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM).
His citizenship issues stemmed from his parents not registering their marriage, which was done abroad.
His predicament was finally over when the Home Ministry approved his citizenship application in a letter dated Sept 12.
This paved the way for Omar to sign up for a Bachelor in Human Resource Management at UUM today.
Not only that, Omar was also offered a scholarship by UUM.
"I am very grateful to be allowed to further my studies here. I will do my best and not waste this opportunity," he said when met at the UUM Petronas Student Accommodation Lounge after completing his registration.
Omar is currently waiting for the National Registration Department to issue his MyKad.
Meanwhile, another student, Anis Aqila Za'aba, 21, from Ipoh, Perak said she was elated when she received the offer to further her studies in Bachelor of Tourism Management at UUM.
Anis, who is also the eldest child of Media Prima Berhad's financial officer, Hamila Nor Md Nor, 47, is one of the 10 disabled students who registered with UUM today.
She has eyesight impairment in one of her eyes.
"I did not believe it when I found out about my application. I was working as a cashier in Ipoh when I saw the results and I screamed in front of the customers because I was so happy.
"My mother was delighted too. I will study hard to fulfill my dream," she said.
Meanwhile, UUM Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah said that the university has prepared facilities to welcome 10 new disabled students for the new intake.
"We have considered everything to ensure they will have an ease of access to their classes and moving around the campus," he said.
He added that the fresh intake of students also included 2,236 students from the B40 group, making up 59.49 per cent of the total intake of 4,067 students.