BEING stateless not only affects one’s mental well-being but also takes a significant toll on physical health, as accessing healthcare becomes a constant source of anxiety and challenge.
Wong Kueng Hui shared that, as someone who was previously stateless, concerns about healthcare access had always been something he feared and that he would take extra caution when it came to his health.
It was understood that accessing healthcare services would be difficult and, when possible, often more expensive than what others paid.
He said throughout his life – prior to gaining his Malaysian citizenship, he would only experience fevers that were managed carefully to avoid high costs.
Fortunately for him, Wong experienced several health issues requiring hospitalisation only after he obtained his identification card (IC). He said having an IC significantly eased the process of obtaining treatment.
Wong shared that during Ramadan this year, he had a minor accident and went to the hospital for treatment.
While registering, he witnessed a man with severe injuries from a motorcycle accident trying to check in.
"He did not have his IC and claimed it had been lost for a long time. It struck me as odd because, in Malaysia, if you lose your IC, you can simply report it to the police and then apply for a new one at the National Registration Department (JPN).
"This raised a suspicion that he might have a documentation issue. What shocked me even more was when the hospital staff told him to get his IC first and then come back for treatment.
"This unfolded right in front of me, in a government hospital, making me realise that if I were still stateless, I could have faced the same treatment,” he told Sinar Daily during an interview in conjunction with Movember, highlighting men’s physical and mental health.
Wong recalled how this incident reminded him of the stateless Bajau Laut community in Sabah, where families are often required to pay upfront for their children’s medical treatment and are denied care if unable to do so due to their stateless status.
"This is deeply disheartening, particularly for those already vulnerable. While I feel fortunate to no longer face such discrimination now that I have my citizenship, witnessing these situations serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing struggles others endure.
"Facing illness without access to care or fearing the cost can significantly affect one’s mental health, wondering how to afford treatment adds a massive burden on top of being unwell,” he said.
Born in Keningau, Sabah, Wong's fight began when his application for citizenship was rejected when he was 12-years old. After back-and-forth in the courts, his fight led to his relocation from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur.
Despite the challenges of an extended legal battle for nearly 16 years, he emerged victorious and was granted his IC in October 2022.
Throughout this trying period, Wong endured both mental and physical hardships, as the uncertainty surrounding his status weighed heavily on him.
Today, he is a vocal advocate for human rights and serves as the Director of Mandiri Borneo, using his personal journey to inspire youth and champion progressive causes in Malaysia, all while playing an active role in Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda).