Kuala lumpur: The National Registration Department (NRD) today withdrew its appeal against a High Court's decision mandating the issuance of a new birth certificate to a stateless man, Mohd Razwil Abdullah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, lawyer Datuk Habib Rahman Seeni Mohideen, who represents Mohd Razwil, announced he received notification of this development earlier today. As a result of the withdrawal, the verdict delivered by High Court Judge Datuk Quay Chew Soon on November 14 of the previous year remains binding. This judgment requires the NRD to issue a birth certificate confirming Mohd Razwil's status as a Malaysian citizen.

The legal proceedings began when Mohd Razwil submitted his citizenship application on April 8, 2024, after locating Rohaida Abdul Rashid, the woman who found him as an infant. Rohaida served as the sole witness in the case. Judge Quay's ruling invoked Article 14(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, ordering the issuance of a new birth certificate and an identity card to reflect Mohd Razwil's Malaysian citizenship.

This decision had initially prompted the NRD to file an appeal. However, Habib Rahman shared details of Mohd Razwil's discovery in 1984, emphasizing how Rohaida found him as a newborn near a garbage bin at Chow Kit Market, Kuala Lumpur. He was wrapped in a white towel with his umbilical cord still attached. Rohaida cared for him until he was four years old, after which he was placed under the Social Welfare Department's care until the age of 15.

The lawyer highlighted that newly uncovered information from Rohaida was instrumental in answering lingering questions about Mohd Razwil's background. This information enabled a successful reapplication for citizenship after previous applications were hindered by the absence of details about his parents.

Expressing gratitude, Mohd Razwil, currently employed as a restaurant assistant, thanked the government, the Home Ministry, and the Attorney General's Chambers for their decision to withdraw the appeal.