COMMENT | Stateless children trapped in a limbo called Malaysia

COMMENT | I write to you with a heavy heart, deeply affected by the plight of four young siblings who have been denied the basic rights to education, healthcare, and legal recognition. Their situation represents the countless other innocent children trapped in an invisible limbo in Malaysia.

These children are stateless, caught in a perpetual state of hopelessness. In a world where borders divide us, they find themselves entangled in a web of bureaucratic complexities, deprived of the very essence of their identity, despite our laws clearly intending to prevent statelessness. They navigate a society that fails to acknowledge their existence, relegating them to the shadows of a system that denies them their fundamental rights.

It is a tragic circumstance where their dreams and aspirations are being held hostage by factors beyond their control, but it is an administrative predicament that has rendered them invisible.

Their names - Aziq Fadyan, Azreen Batrisya, Azzahra Batrisya, and Azalea Batrisya - struck me with their alliteration and assonance, making them sonically pleasing and easily memorable. They are aged 24, 22, 12 and nine years old respectively.

These children would have gained invaluable knowledge and experiences if they had the opportunity to attend school. Just imagine, for a moment, being a child in a country that won’t recognise you, a country that made you invisible - even if this country is all you have and know as home.

Picture waking up each day, fully aware that the opportunities your peers take for granted are denied to you. Education, a fundamental right, becomes an elusive dream, slipping through their fingers like grains of sand. These children yearn to learn, to grow, and to pursue their ambitions, but they are met with closed doors at every turn. Their potential knows no bounds, yet their dreams are stifled, and their aspirations are silenced.

Blank stares

The once-vibrant tapestry of their imaginations slowly erodes under the weight of their statelessness. They dare not dream of a brighter future, fearful that their hopes will be shattered once again. I know this to be true because I asked Azzahra and Azalea what they aspire to be when they grow up - a question that is typically posed to children in Malaysia.

However, my question was met with blank stares. I discovered that the girls had only been able to attend kindergarten, without access to primary school education yet.

I have witnessed the faces of these children, and I have seen the same look of despair in those who are unable to attend school or are humiliated and forced to leave due to a lack of acceptable documents. Azreen was the top student in school until she was asked to leave school at 16 years old. It is unimaginable! She would be our future teacher but now, that ambition dies. Have we lost our minds? Curbing bright minds and hearts? It defies logic!

But it raises the question: why can't we, as a society, provide education for all? If the government is unable to provide, why not allow private sectors to collaborate NGOs that specialise in alternative learning and school education?

When I gaze into the eyes of these children, I see their deep yearning for acceptance and a place where they truly belong. I hear their silent pleas for equal opportunities, for a chance to prove their worth and make meaningful contributions to a society that has turned a blind eye to their struggles.

These children possess untapped talents, skills, and unique perspectives that could enrich our communities if only given the opportunity. Let us test them, give them a fair chance, and grant them equitable access to quality education.

As Aziq struggled with words, he said,” Everyone who knows our situation tells me my father is at fault - that he is the reason why all my sisters and I are stateless. But my father is dead; I cannot blame him anymore and I’m trying to fix this mistake. I don’t know why this happened to us but it did. Why can’t I help fix this?”

I couldn’t answer. I just said he and his siblings were not alone. There were thousands of children in the same situation; thousands and thousands who were old too - all not having citizenship nor an easy pathway to apply for citizenship. I said it wasn’t his fault- these were regressive policies; they were innocent.

We must remember that these children are not merely statistics or faceless individuals. They embody resilience, hope, and the indomitable human spirit. They deserve to be acknowledged, to be listened to, and to be provided with the same opportunities as their peers. Their statelessness should not define them, nor should it deprive them of their right to dream, to learn, and to build a better future.

To leave their lives and fate in one person and one ministry’s hands despite the fact our Federal Constitution has guaranteed citizenship to those born in Malaysia is unconscionable. Never mind the fact that these children’s lives are halted because their parents’ marriage certificate is not recognised in Malaysia.

It is time for us to realise that education is not a privilege to be bestowed upon a select few; it is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances. By denying these siblings an education, we are not only stifling their potential, but we are also perpetuating a cycle of hopelessness and despair.

Education encompasses more than just textbooks and classrooms; it is the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity and empowers young minds to imagine and create a brighter future. Without education, these children are condemned to a cycle of poverty and marginalisation.

It is imperative that we come together as a society to address this issue and ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to quality education.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Yet, we are denying these children the very weapon they need to break free from the constraints that bind them. We are robbing them of the opportunity to contribute their brilliance, their unique perspectives, and their boundless imagination to our society.

And in the words of Malala Yousafzai, "One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world."

Invisible struggles

It is time to give these children the tools they need to rewrite their narratives, to reclaim their identities, and to shape a future that knows no borders.

In these young people’s dreams lie the seeds of innovation, compassion, and resilience. By nurturing their hopes and providing them with the opportunities they deserve, we can unlock a future where their potential knows no bounds. We can shape a society that values every child, regardless of their nationality or legal status.

It is incumbent upon us, as a society, to recognise the urgency of this issue and take action. We must advocate for the rights of these stateless children and demand that they be granted access to education.

We must challenge the systems and policies that perpetuate their marginalisation and work towards inclusive solutions that leave no child behind.

Let us unite in solidarity and fight for the rights of Aziq, Azreen, Azzahra, Azalea, and countless other stateless children around the world. Together, we can break the chains of their statelessness and pave the way for a world where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Let us strive to create a society where no child is left behind, where statelessness is eradicated, and where every individual is afforded the dignity and rights they deserve. Together, we can break down the barriers that confine these children, uplift their spirits, and empower them to become the architects of their own destinies.

Let us not turn a blind eye to the invisible struggles of these stateless children. Let their voices be heard through our collective determination for change. It is time to restore their faith in humanity, to kindle the flame of hope within their hearts, and to pave a path towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.

HARTINI ZAINUDIN is a child activist.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.