How has statelessness blocked education for the older siblings and younger ones?

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Statelessness Prevents Siblings from Obtaining Education and Formal Qualifications

The lack of official citizenship has significantly hindered the educational prospects of four siblings, preventing the older ones from obtaining crucial academic certifications and barring the younger ones from attending school altogether. This situation arises because the government has not acknowledged their Malaysian citizenship, despite their father being a Malaysian national. Without formal identification and citizenship status, the siblings are unable to access the standard educational pathways available to Malaysian children.
Denied Opportunities for Formal Certification

The two elder siblings, aged 24 and 22, have been unable to obtain their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificates. The SPM is a critical examination in Malaysia, typically taken at the end of secondary school, and serves as a fundamental qualification for further education, vocational training, and employment opportunities. Without an SPM certificate, individuals often face significant barriers in pursuing higher studies at tertiary institutions or securing jobs that require a formal secondary education credential, thereby limiting their future career prospects.
Exclusion from the School System

The two younger siblings, aged 12 and eight, are currently unable to attend school due to their stateless status. In Malaysia, enrolment in public and most private educational institutions requires official documentation, including identification and proof of citizenship or residency status. Without these documents, the children are effectively excluded from the formal education system, missing out on essential learning and development during their formative years.
Constitutional Entitlement and Government Duty

The siblings are considered entitled to citizenship under Article 14(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, read with Sections 1(a) and 1(e) of Part II of the Second Schedule. This provision generally grants citizenship to individuals born in Malaysia after Malaysia Day whose parents are citizens, or who are born in Malaysia and not entitled to citizenship of another country. Lawyers for Liberty has highlighted that the National Registration Department and the Home Ministry have a duty to issue the necessary identification documents, such as the blue MyKad, to citizens who are legally entitled to them.
Broader Implications of Statelessness

Beyond education, the siblings' statelessness has resulted in a cascade of other disadvantages. They are reportedly denied access to proper healthcare, unable to open bank accounts, obtain driving licenses, or secure appropriate employment with fair wages. This lack of official recognition creates a pervasive barrier to participating fully in society and accessing fundamental services, underscoring the profound impact of statelessness on an individual's life.

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How has statelessness blocked education for the older siblings and younger ones?

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