Zahid (fifth from left), with Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman (fourth left) and Tangau (third left) meeting with the two families at Le Meridien.
KOTA KINABALU: This particular Chinese New Year will be forever etched in the memories of two Chinese families from Tamparuli.
The citizenship mess that entangled the two families for so long may soon be resolved after the matter was brought to the attention of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is also the Home Minister by Upko acting president and Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
Making it more special was the fact that the Voo and Yong families were able to personally convey their gratitude to the Deputy Prime Minister before the Sabah BN meeting on Monday night at Le Meridien Hotel here.
The brief impromptu meeting was arranged by Tangau who is Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Tangau took the matter seriously after listening to the plea of the two families who are full-fledged Malaysians but due to technicalities have faced so much hardship resulting in their children’s application for MyKad being rejected.
They have tried almost everything since 2003 but to no avail.
Tangau immediately wrote a letter to Zahid seeking a remedy to the problems faced by the Voo and Yong families.
The response was positive and now awaits further action from the relevant authorities.
Upko Bukit Perahu branch chief, Ricky Chin who was responsible in bringing up the matter to Tangau’s attention said the positive development showed that the Barisan Nasional’s government cares for the people.
Chin who accompanied the families to meet with the Deputy Prime Minister said Tangau had also showed that he is a leader for all his constituents irrespective of race and religion.
The Voo family had been facing problem in getting Voo Xiao Yun, 21, her MyKad following late birth registration. Her two younger sisters, however, are a MyKad holder.
For brothers, Yong Son Leong and Yong Kah Leong, 22 and 21 respectively, their applications for a MyKad have been rejected due to technical problems concerning their parents’ marriage.
Both of their parents have since passed away, thus aggravating the problem. They are currently in the care of their uncle Yong Chiap Fah, 55.
During the meet-the-people session at Kampung Tomis Jaya in Kiulu, Tangau had expressed disappointment that such things could still occur.
“But, we are fortunate because we have a Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister who listen to the people,” he said.
Tangau assured that the BN would not overlook problems faced by the grassroots and strive to resolve them.