Birth Certificate

The officer at the National Registration Department, Port Dickson branch was patient enough to explain to me the process of getting a copy of my old birth certificate. I thought I would get it in a jiffy since everything is computerized now, but at the NRD, he said, they are still processing it as it involves millions. I hope they make a good job of it, screening, and not dispensing copies of birth certificates to those cheats who are not Malaysian citizens. So I don't mind waiting for 2 weeks, it's not urgent enough for me.

Imagine after almost 66 years, I have to produce my birth certificate and I don't have the faintest idea where it is. I know I have the original copy, torn and tattered somewhere but where? That old copy is precious as it is the proof of my initial existence in this world as a Malay in my country, Tanah Melayu but where is my country now?

The Adat Perpatih requires me and my 9 siblings (2 have passed away) to be present at the Pejabat Daerah, Rembau, for the transfer of my mother's few pieces of land to our names, particularly the 4 girls in my family. All my sisters are not keen to own the lands and would like my cousins, Cham and Jaafar, to have it as they have been living there for years. But the Adat says it is Tanah Pusaka and it would go to the rightful children. If it is not claimed, the land would go to the government, so what will happen to Jaafar, my schizo cousin then? Hence, the need for my birth certificate-to prove that I am one of Abdul Rahman Hj. Muyiddin's and Maimunah Hj. Zakaria's children.

The Pejabat Daerah Rembau requires all 9 of us to be present at the court to transfer the titles of the land to our names (girls). The male members of the family have to be present too - what a hassle!! I am not sure whether my 74 year old brother would be able to come or care enough to come. I don't blame him and my other brothers though, it doesn't concern them and they are not interested but the Adat makes it so difficult. Anah, my quiet younger sister says 'Tanah sekangkang kera tapi prosesnya susah sangat.' She volunteers to see this process goes through.

Well Anah, we will work on it so that our cousin, Jaafar, will not be displaced. I hope PD National Registration office will pursue my application of a copy of my birth certificate within the promised time frame.

So no matter how old you are, as long as you still exist in this world, you are important. Keep your birth certificate intact!