How did missing birth certificates delay NRD registration for Velmurugan and his mother?

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Missing Birth Certificates and Delayed National Registration Department (NRD) Registration

The absence of birth certificates significantly delayed the registration of Velmurugan and his mother, Balamah, with the National Registration Department (NRD). Velmurugan, born in February 1987, and his mother Balamah, born in December 1952, both lacked birth certificates. Consequently, their births were only officially registered with the NRD much later, in 2011 for Velmurugan and in 2019 for Balamah.
Lack of Awareness Due to Illiteracy as a Primary Factor

Court documents indicate that the primary reason for the delayed registration of Velmurugan's birth was his mother's lack of awareness regarding the necessity of such a process. Balamah's illiteracy, a common issue among individuals residing in estates, meant she was unaware of the requirement to formally register her son's birth. Velmurugan himself also never had the opportunity to attend school, further contributing to the lack of knowledge about vital registration procedures within his family.
Undetermined Citizenship Status and Inconsistencies

The delay was compounded by Balamah's undetermined citizenship status within the NRD records. Inconsistencies arose from witness testimonies concerning her birthplace and the number of her siblings. This uncertainty complicated the process of establishing her own identity and, by extension, her son's eligibility for registration.
Efforts to Rectify and Subsequent Legal Challenges

Despite these initial hurdles, Velmurugan's maternal siblings, born before Malaysia's independence (pre-Merdeka), had been registered as Malaysian citizens. Furthermore, DNA testing confirmed Balamah's biological relationship to her Malaysian sibling, and Velmurugan's parentage to Balamah. These validations supported Velmurugan's assertion that his mother, born in Kuala Lumpur before Merdeka, was entitled to Malaysian citizenship. Velmurugan had initiated efforts to secure his mother's citizenship under Article 16 of the Federal Constitution, which allows for the registration of individuals born in Malaysia before Merdeka, provided they meet certain conditions, including good character. However, Balamah passed away on January 27, 2024, before her citizenship status could be formally resolved.

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How did missing birth certificates delay NRD registration for Velmurugan and his mother?

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