SHAH ALAM - Imagine giving up the citizenship of a country you were born and raised in, a choice that few would consider and even fewer can truly understand.
Recently, a Malaysian woman made this controversial decision and took to TikTok to share her journey, a move that has since gone viral and sparked intense debate online.
In her video, the woman documented the process of renouncing her Malaysian citizenship, describing the steps she took and the emotions she felt.
She revealed that she was now stateless after visiting the High Commission of Malaysia a few days ago to complete the renunciation process.
The procedure, she explained, involved filling out several forms, surrendering her birth certificate and handing over her identification documents, including her MyKad.
"To be honest, I’m quite sentimental at this point and then it’s all done.
"Three days later, I collected my renunciation certificate. Bye-bye Malaysia," she said in the video, holding up her certificate with a bittersweet smile.
The video, which racked up nearly 250,000 views drew a flurry of reactions.
While some netizens praised her courage, others expressed confusion and criticism, reflecting the complex and often emotional nature of such a significant decision.
Social media user, @MIZAN RETORT JB shared a sombre anecdote "Have an old friend who did this when he moved to Australia in the '80s during his youth. Didn’t take long for him to terribly regret it."
Similarly, @Mizs Arz revealed her husband’s experience almost giving up his citizenship: "My husband almost gave up his citizenship to the US 15 years ago. Luckily, the Malaysian embassy in the US gave some advice. Now he’s thankful for it. Malaysia is the best place to settle down soon."
Others also echoed sentiments of regret, like @Genevieve Yong585, who wrote, "Wow! I know someone close who renounced hers and then regretted it."
Some social media users offered alternative advice in the comment section suggesting she could have retained her citizenship while securing permanent residency in the new country.
A social media user, @Rafiz66 commented, "Your choice is yours. However, it is better to retain your citizenship and get PR (premanent resident) from whichever country you want to emigrate to."
Meanwhile, there were those who applauded the woman's courage and wished her success in her new chapter.
A social media user @Juragan said "Thank you and good luck in everything you do in the future and beyond" while @Tukang Tebas said "All the best to you. Who knows, you will succeed in your new country."
Others, like @Fatimah Keliwon, shared heartfelt support: "Good luck, sis. Wish you the best."
For those who renounced their citizenship, the reality was often far more challenging than it appeared, with their experiences revealing the emotional and complex journey of losing one’s nationality.
Their stories were also being shared through articles and international media outlets.
Take the case of a 37-year-old man known as Adam whom, after renouncing his citizenship in 2005, found himself detained by the United Kingdom (UK) immigration and deported to Malaysia in 2011.
Denied entry into Malaysia due to his renounced status, Adam became stateless and has since struggled to rebuild his life.
"I was treated like a criminal," he was reported saying in a report by international news agency the Independent while recalling his traumatic experience.
Similarly, Yan Kit, 42, renounced his Malaysian citizenship in 2005 after studying in the UK.
He now lives with his uncle, unable to find a job while facing emotional struggles when visiting his wife in Malaysia.
"If I could get my Malaysian citizenship back, I’d return immediately," he said.
Another peron, Liew Teh, 38, who also renounced his Malaysian citizenship to apply for British nationality, found himself unemployable and unable to pursue his career.
After moving to the UK in 2001 and following legal advice to renounce his Malaysian citizenship, Teh discovered the hard way that he was left stateless, unable to gain British nationality.
After years of legal battles and failed attempts to return to Malaysia, Teh was left with emotional and financial struggle.
"I’ve been very depressed," he shared, reflecting on how his life came to a standstill after being advised to make a life-altering decision.
Despite being recognised as stateless in 2018, Teh's situation remained unresolved.
Active in volunteer work and social activities, Teh continued to seek a resolution, calling on the UK government to address the plight of stateless individuals and reform immigration policies.
His story is a stark reminder of the need for systemic change to protect those caught in bureaucratic limbo.
The lack of clear legal pathways has left many in despair, their dreams of a better future shattered by unforeseen consequences.
The UK Home Office has acknowledged the issue, but without resolution, many were left stranded, unsure of where to turn next.
So, why would anyone renounce their Malaysian citizenship?
The reasons behind such decisions vary, from seeking foreign citizenship to relying on poor legal advice, but the outcome is clear—statelessness is a harsh reality.
As discussions on the issue persist, it highlights the importance of approaching these choices with care and recognising that the journey to citizenship is not one to be taken lightly.