I was born to a Malaysian mother overseas. I didn't think this ruling would affect me much because I received my citizenship years ago, but I'm emotional today.

I've always had this feeling of not being Malaysian enough. It felt as though I was someone who's just been granted a place in this country because the officers that interviewed me were kind (and they were, I'm really grateful to them).

All those years of awful trips to Putrajaya, the interviews, the waiting on decisions, hoping the officers would take pity on my single mother enough to let me stay here contributed to this feeling. The whole fiasco made me believe that I didn't actually have a right to be here.

I've been told repeatedly over the years how lucky I am to have my citizenship. I'd always have to explain & justify why I have a blue IC when so many others like me had been waiting for decades for theirs. It never felt like a right, but more a kindness bestowed upon me.

Today, I feel vindicated. Today, I feel that being here is my right and that I am just as much a Malaysian as anyone else.