“NOW, I am a true Malaysian, like how I always wanted to be.” These were the words of Rajan, 23, after receiving his birth certificate yesterday at Kapar Member of Parliament S. Manikavasagam’s service centre at Pekan Kapar.

He went to the centre several months ago complaining that he did not possess a birth certificate or an identity card.

“I was born in an estate and my parents were uneducated. They did not know that I must have a birth certificate. Luckily, a nurse gave my mother a certificate stating that I was born in Malaysia and that my parents are Malaysians,” said Rajan.

“I faced so much of difficulty before a friend of mine told me to visit Manikavasagam’s office to get my birth certificate. Now I can get my identification card and move on to better things,” he added.

P. Bakiong was almost in tears when her six-year-old son Jery was presented with his birth certificate.

She told Malay Mail that she could not obtain Jery’s birth certificate because the child’s father was irresponsible and had left the family right after Jery was born.

“I was suffering for six years. I was approached by many parties who claimed they could get my son’s birth certificate for a price. I did not trust them and I came here finally. I am truly grateful for the help. Now I can send my son to school next year,” said Bakiong.

Manikavasagam’s office also proudly announced that they have solved all the birth certificate issues of folks from the Kapar slums that were highlighted two months ago.

“It took some time and it was tough. But we managed to get all the children their birth certificates. The single mothers will also be getting an allowance of RM450 starting next month. We hope that with this money their problems will be eased,” said Manikavasagam.

On May 6, Malay Mail highlighted the plight of single mothers and the problems faced by their children who did not possess birth certificates.

A youth movement called G2 alerted us to their plight. Malay Mail visited the slum and noted the high number of children who were Stateless in this small town. The children were also being recruited by drug pushers to carry out illicit dealings.

Manikavasagam visited the area a day after and pr0mised to solve the problem of the Statelessness of the children.

Interview with MP Kapar:

Malay Mail Ist July 2009

DURING his campaign trail last year, S. Manikavasagam promised the residents of Kapar he would solve their birth certificate problems if he won the Kapar Parliamentary seat. It has been 16 months since the first-term MP was elected and as promised, Manikavasagam is on a mission to ensure all Malaysians are accorded their birthright.

How bad is the situation in Klang of folks without birth certificates?

If you look at Klang, it is not that serious. In my constituency, we do get cases of adults not having birth certificates on a weekly basis but the number is not alarming. But, if you look at the State overall, it is worrying. I was told that there are 5,000 cases of people without birth certificates. This is shocking.

Why do you think the number is so high?

Firstly, the lack of education. Many who do not have birth certificates are estate workers and rural folk. If we can educate them that a birth certificate is important and necessary, then we can say the problem is partially solved.

Secondly, the people must understand that even if they give birth at home, they must acquire a birth certificate immediately. And finally, the National Registration Department  should be more proactive. Their officers should be on the ground more to spot cases like this in rural areas.

What other problems do you face when it comes to birth certificate issues?

There are folks who come to my office and claim that they paid strangers a large amount of money to get their birth certificates.

The amounts range from RM1,000 to RM5,000. These are scams. When the complaint reaches us, it’s already too late. I would like to advise the people of Malaysia they do not have to pay to get a birth certificate. If anybody approaches them and asks for a large amount of money, they should contact the police immediately.

How far has your focus been successful?

We have already solved 200 cases since I took office. We have had people calling my office from Kedah, Pahang and Johor asking our help to get their birth certificates. We take one case at one time. My volunteers are well versed in the issue after handling so many cases.

What I can do is advise other State assemblymen and MPs on how to go about the issue if they receive cases like these. My team will also carry on with their duties.