The achievement of a baby who was abandoned at just two months old has once again stirred emotions in Malaysia. Rohana Abdullah, who was left with a difficult identity crisis after her birth, is now 25 years old and recently completed a diploma in computer science from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia (UTeM).
Despite the difficult reality of statelessness for a long time, her life was changed by an extraordinary human being—her foster mother Chee Hoi Lan.
Stateless Until 2022
Rohana’s biological mother was a cleaner at a kindergarten, and Chee Hoi Lan worked there as kindergarten teacher. Seeing the child abandoned, she raised her as a Muslim. But when she was 12, Rohana suffered a big setback.
Even though she was born in Malaysia, she did not receive an identity card, and her education even stopped at some point. She had been struggling to get a MyKad since 2016.
When her story went viral on social media, then-Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob ordered the Home Ministry to take action in 2022. In April of the same year, Rohana finally received a citizenship certificate and MyKad.
A Story of Overcoming Obstacles
UTeM recognized her perseverance and offered her a fully funded scholarship under the ‘Anak Emas’ scholarship. The university representatives said that the purpose of this special program is to keep worthy but disadvantaged students like Rohana in the forefront.
The story of Chee’s humanity and raising a child without religious differences has resonated across Malaysia.
Social Media Reaction
Many have commented that their eyes have been moistened after reading this story. Netizens have highlighted Chee’s sacrifice, generosity, and humanity as an extraordinary example, saying that the love with which she raised Rohana, even though they were of different religions, is rare.
Some felt that the government should give special respect to this foster mother. The comments further suggested that Rohana should value her mother’s hard work and sacrifice and make her status brighter by succeeding in life.
Rohana On Her Bright Future
After completing her diploma with a 3.88 CGPA, Rohana is now studying for an honours degree in software development. She gratefully remembered her 87-year-old foster mother who was unable to attend the event.
Check the post here.
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