THE story of cancer patient Lina Samuel whose identity card (MyKad) was reported to have been confiscated by the Lawas office of the National Registration Department (NRD) baffles me.
Reading the story in Malaysiakini last Sunday, I find it perplexing because there are just too many questions needing answers.
That the case involves a senior citizen with a serious health issue was what attracted my attention to the story in the first place. Lina is 65 and struggling with colon cancer.
Just to recap, as I understand the story so far.
Lina wanted to vote in last November’s 15th general election. So she went to the NRD office in Lawas to change her address. Instead, the office seized her MyKad, telling her it was instruction from the “boss”.
Here, I would like to know whether the NRD officer(s) has the right to confiscate the MyKad legally and why. Then, who is the all-powerful “boss”? Was the so-called boss in the Lawas office at that time or someone in NRD Kuching or Kuala Lumpur?
What is Lina’s family background? Was she born in Sarawak? Are her parents Sarawakians? These details were not in the story.
Although no date was given in the media article of Lina’s encounter at the Lawas office, it was reported that Lina has
been without her MyKad since November last year.
So, the case is still fresh in a way. I think Lina should prepare an affidavit immediately (if she has not done so yet) of the incident as memory is still fresh. If she needs help on that, I am prepared to assist.
A case like this could end up in court if those in authority are unprepared to view the case sympathetically as Lina is an elderly person with a terminal illness. I sincerely hope it will not go down that route.
Kudos to Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) politician Agnes Padan who has been helping Lina in her ordeal.
Agnes, who is also a healthcare activist, said she has been trying to get Lina’s MyKad back from the NRD. That is her top priority.
According to Lina, many of her doctor’s appointments and hospital visits were turned down because she did not have her MyKad.
This also meant that she missed multiple cancer treatment sessions and she fears that her condition will only worsen.
Lina said she tried showing a photocopy of her MyKad to the hospital so she could proceed with treatment but to no avail.
However, she commended the doctors and nurses for attempting to aid her as much as possible despite the setbacks.
I can agree with Lina on this as I’m also a regular patient at public health institutions and most of the doctors, nurses and other supporting staff in government service are generally helpful and compassionate souls.
I have also noted that Agnes has been using social media to catch the attention of Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. However, her attempts have been unsuccessful, Agnes lamented.
I think Agnes did the right thing by attempting to seek the help of the top brass in government.
Let me also try to help Lina. As the home minister is a personal friend and on my contact list, I have informally sent him this WhatsApp message to Saifuddin:
“Dear Brother Saifuddin, This attached article is self-explanatory. I am seeking your assistance to resolve the case of Lina Samuel.
Please do whatever is possible to help Lina get back her MyKad. She needs it to continue getting treatment for her cancer.
At the same time, it is in the public interest to have your NRD officers in Lawas explain why Lina’s MyKad was seized by their office in the first place.
This incident did not happen under your watch. As the new home minister under the Madani government, I trust that you would do the needful as soon as possible.
Lina is already 65 and suffering from colon cancer. We don’t have much time left to assist a case like this. Thank you. Sincerely, Francis Paul Siah.” (Note: I have informed the minister that I am making this letter public.)
At the same time, I have notified a close family member of the Lawas Member of Parliament, Henry Sum Agong, to request for his assistance in Lina’s case. He has assured me the MP will help.
To Lina, I hope everything will turn out well for you in the days ahead. Remain hopeful. Keep the faith.
To Agnes, you are an angel for going out of your way to assist our rural folks in need. You are a shining example to us all. God bless you.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
