For many years, thousands of Malaysians have opted to revoke their citizenship to become citizens of another country, with Singapore being one of the top choices.
One woman who went down the same path recently took to social media to share why she chose to do so, citing family stability, equal opportunities, fairness, and her children’s future as key factors.
‘No rice bowl for me here’
In a lengthy Facebook post, the woman wrote that her decision to cease being a Malaysian citizen was not an easy one, adding that “nobody wants to give up their roots.”
However, she said life is all about practicality and that family responsibilities was what propelled her to make the difficult decision.
First, the woman said that there was lack of opportunities in building a career and family in a place where she still considers home, bluntly adding that there was “no rice bowl for her in her hometown.”
A lot of people said that I can always go back to Malaysia and work, but working in KL or Penang would still make me feel like a stranger in a foreign place.
“I came to Singapore when I was 18. My best years, the streets I’ve come to know like the back of my hand, and strongest friendships are all here. To me, Singapore has become the city that grew alongside me.”
Maintaining family ties
The woman also cited that her desire to be close to her family played a role in her decision to become a Singaporean.
“Once you have a child, the pressure of reality is no joke. Raising a kid while holding Permanent Residence (PR) status is incredibly expensive and makes you question your life choices.”
She also said she simply couldn’t live with the idea of leaving her children behind in Malaysia while she worked thousands of miles away.
“Money can always be earned, but once you miss your child’s growing years, they’re gone forever.
“I want to be able to hug my child every day after coming home, not just see them through video calls.”
Inequality back home
The woman also said that she felt Singapore treated its citizens fairly as back in Malaysia, hard work does not always guarantee equal opportunities due to “invisible barriers”.
I want my child to grow up competing in a fair environment, where they won’t be placed at the back of the line just because of their identity.”
She added that the Covid-19 pandemic had also caused her to realise how fragile and short life is due to its uncertainties.
“You never know whether tomorrow or tragedy will come first. Since life comes with no guarantees, I’d rather choose a way of living that allows me to feel more at peace and happier while I still can,” she explained.
Still professes love for M’sia
At the end of the post, the woman reiterated that giving up her citizenship didn’t mean that she no longer loved her country of birth.
“Giving up that Blue IC doesn’t mean I don’t love Malaysia. My hometown will always be my hometown, but life needs a way forward.”
She also added that one’s sense of belonging isn’t determined by the colour of their passport, but rather, it’s about having their loved ones are by their side and whether they’re living the life they envisioned.
According to the latest statistics, a whopping 61,116 Malaysians chose to give up their citizenship over the past five years.
However, there have also been instances of ex-Malaysians who regretted making the same decision for themselves:
