For 14 years and counting, mum fights to give kids their father’s name

Ramya Thamarai Selvan joined the MyIdentiti programme for advice on how to facilitate procedures at JPN to include their father’s name on her children’s identity cards. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Over the last 14 years, Ramya Thamarai Selvan has made countless trips to the national registration department (JPN) and the home ministry, trying to include her late partner’s name on their children’s identity cards.

Because their marriage was never officially registered, the father’s name was left off the documents – a mistake that continues to complicate even the most routine matters, from medical treatment to school registration.

“Without a father’s name, things like education and official matters become difficult.

“The children also feel pressured when people ask who their father is. They don’t know how to answer. It’s emotionally distressing for them. I just want them to live like other children,” the 35-year-old told FMT.

Ramya Thamarai Selvan.

Ramya lost her partner in an accident when their son was two and their daughter was still in the womb. The children are now 14 and 12.

“JPN told us that because we didn’t register the marriage, the children aren’t eligible to have their father’s name listed.

“We admit that was our mistake, but when my partner passed and the children couldn’t have his name on their documents, it made life very difficult,” she said.

Ramya was one of over 100 participants at the MyIdentiti programme last Sunday, organised by the Kota Kemuning state assemblyman’s office in collaboration with the Society for Community Advancement.

The initiative offers advice and assistance to individuals facing documentation issues, from citizenship and birth certificates to adoption status and red identity cards for permanent residents.

Effa Melia Insah Sumolang.

Effa Melia Insah Sumolang, 44, said she had waited 21 years for her application for permanent resident status to be approved, despite being married to a Malaysian citizen since 2004.

“Without a (red) identity card, my life is restricted. I have health problems and need to go to private hospitals, which is very costly. Even banking is difficult. Sometimes, I feel hopeless,” she said.

Although her two children are Malaysian citizens, Effa continues to live in limbo, awaiting recognition as a permanent resident.

Maznah Musa, 44, is appealing to the government for legal guardianship of her adopted daughter, now 12, whom she has cared for since the child was four days old.

“I got the baby from her biological mother, who is Sri Lankan. We’ve completed all of the court processes, but when I tried to register with JPN, the application was rejected. Until now, I still don’t have legal custody,” she said.

Rafidah Abdullah, 45, a former resident of a welfare department shelter, shared her frustration over still not having an identity card.

“Without an IC, I can’t open a bank account, pursue further studies, or get married. I’ve applied for years with no success. I’ve lived in a welfare home since birth,” she said.