Yeo finally got his citizenship after 30 years wait

suppadmin | August 18, 2026

After more than 30 years of waiting and several unsuccessful applications, 61-year-old Yeo Chan Hiong has finally been granted Malaysian citizenship.

Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting said Yeo’s approval was a significant milestone after years of uncertainty and repeated attempts to secure his citizenship.

He said Yeo’s case was complicated by his family background, as his parents were Sarawakians but Yeo was born while the family was living in Brunei.

“After the family returned to Sarawak, they began the process of applying for Malaysian citizenship for him.

“I am very happy that after applying for so many years, he has finally received his Malaysian identity card,” he told a press conference here on Monday.

Ting, who is also Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said Yeo’s wife and four children, aged between 24 and 30, are Malaysian citizens.

He said Yeo’s successful application was the result of years of efforts by various individuals who had assisted in pursuing the case.

Ting congratulated Yeo on finally obtaining his citizenship and encouraged others facing similar issues to remain persistent with their applications.

“I urge those who are still applying and have yet to receive citizenship not to give up,” he said.