Among the border scouts who defended the newly-formed Malaysia during its confrontation with Indonesia and the communist insurgency, Tabed received proof of his citizenship from the national registration department (JPN) in Lawas yesterday.

“I am lost beyond words, especially since I have been waiting for so many years for the government to approve my citizenship application,” The Borneo Post reported Tabed as saying.

“It has indeed been a very long and painful journey, not only for me but also my family who are denied access to better health services and assistance from the government because of my status.”

Tabed’s troubles were first highlighted last June after he claimed to have been denied access to an ambulance transfer from Lawas Hospital to Limbang Hospital due to his citizenship status.

He thanked the home ministry and Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian for helping with his application.

Meanwhile, Baru was thrilled to hear that Tabed’s application had been approved and called for the home ministry to approve the applications of four other former border scouts.

“I hope the application of the other former border scouts can be expedited (as) I see no reason for the delay anymore,” Baru said.

“Solid proof of their eligibility to be considered as citizens is plain and obvious,” Baru said, urging Lawas’ JPN to follow up on the applications with their Putrajaya counterparts.

The other former border scouts who remain as permanent residents despite their service to the country are Baranabas Palong @ Branabas, Joseph Pengiran, Kedimus Liling and Basar Arun.

Basar Paru, the sixth former border scout, passed away on Aug 25 last year without being recognised as a Malaysian citizen.