The National Registration Department (NRD) has withdrawn its appeal against a Penang High Court ruling that recognised eatery shop assistant Mohd Razwil Abdullah as a Malaysian citizen, allowing the original decision to stand.
The appeal was scheduled for a hearing at the Court of Appeal this morning. Razwil’s lawyer, Datuk Habib Rahman Seeni Mohideen, confirmed that the NRD informed the court of its withdrawal, effectively ending the appellate process.
The case stems from a Penang High Court judgment on Nov 14 last year, which declared Razwil a Malaysian citizen by operation of law and ordered the NRD to issue him a birth certificate and identity card reflecting his citizenship status.
“Following the withdrawal, the High Court’s decision stands, which brings great joy to my client,” said Datuk Habib Rahman.
The decision concludes Razwil’s year-long legal battle for citizenship recognition. Razwil, 41, expressed deep gratitude, thanking the Malaysian government, the Home Ministry, and the Attorney-General’s Chambers for the resolution.
“This marks the end of a long journey and the start of a new chapter. I am finally recognised as a Malaysian citizen after 40 years. This recognition brings immense happiness and relief. I am committed to contributing positively to society and to our beloved country, Malaysia,” he said.
Razwil was born on Dec 31, 1984, and was discovered near a trash bin at Chow Kit Market, Kuala Lumpur, wrapped in a towel with his umbilical cord still attached. He was cared for by Rohaida Abdul Rashid for four years before being placed in the Tengku Budriah Children’s Welfare Home in Cheras and later the Sultan Abdul Aziz Children’s Home in Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
Despite spending his childhood in welfare care, Razwil remained stateless, with a birth certificate and temporary identification card marked as non-citizen. His temporary ID is set to expire on April 4, 2026.
Razwil paid tribute to those who supported him, including the welfare staff and friends who stood by him throughout his journey. “I sincerely hope others facing similar predicaments will also find justice, belonging, and relief, as I have today,” he said.
