Tangau brought the plight of Voo Xiao Yun, Yong Son Leong and Yong Kah Leong, who had all applied for a MyKad in 2003 but to no avail, straight to the attention of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after finding out about their problem.
Voo, 21, faced problems in obtaining her identification card following late birth registration while the applications of brothers Son Leong and Kah Leong, aged 22 and 21, were rejected due to technical problems concerning their parents’ marriage.
To add to the confusion, Voo’s two younger sisters are MyKad holders.
The Yong brothers faced more difficulties after their parents passed away, further aggravating their problem. They are currently under the care of their uncle, Yong Chiap Fah, 55.
Tangau, who is also Upko acting president, was made aware of their dilemma by Upko Perahu Bukit branch chief Ricky Chin. Perahu Bukit is an Upko branch in Tamparuli, a suburban area 40km from here.
He took the matter seriously after listening to the pleas of the three youths, who are full-fledged Malaysians but due to technicalities have faced so much hardship because they have no MyKad.
Tangau, who is also the science, technology and innovation minister, immediately wrote a letter to Zahid, seeking a quick solution to the problems faced by the Voo and Yong families.
They are now waiting in full hope of further action from the authorities.
Tangau also arranged for the Voo and Yong families to meet with Zahid before the Sabah BN meeting at a hotel here on Monday, making it possible for the families to thank the deputy premier in person.
Tangau had expressed disappointment that such things still occur.
“But, we are fortunate because we have a prime minister and deputy prime minister who listen to the people,” he said, giving an assurance that BN would not overlook problems faced by the grassroots and will strive to resolve them.
Meanwhile, Chin, who also accompanied the families to meet Zahid, said Tangau had shown that he is a leader for all his constituents, irrespective of race and religion.
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