MIRI, Dec. 28 -- After decades of living in uncertainty, Dickson Anderias, who had been stateless, was finally granted Malaysian citizenship on December 23.

He received his MyKad at the National Registration Department (NRD) in Limbang after nearly a year of waiting, following news last year that the department had begun processing his application after his family's stateless plight made headlines.

Describing the approval as both his best Christmas and birthday gift, Dickson said the timing was especially meaningful as he celebrated his 59th birthday today (December 28).

"This is the best birthday gift I have ever received. After waiting for so many years, I never imagined I would finally receive my citizenship at this stage of my life...