KOTA KINABALU: The High Court in Sabah and Sarawak on Wednesday (Jan 7) allowed an application by Abdul Manap bin Bakusai @ Abu Bakar, and his three children from Pitas, to correct their Malaysian Identity Card (MyKad) records to reflect their Christian faith. The Court noted that documentary evidence, including identity records, baptism certificates and letters from churches, supported this position. The Court emphasised that the issue at hand was not isolated, with Judge Celestina citing earlier judicial decisions, including Satiah Simbunar v. Director of National Registration Department, Sabah, 2022. The Court characterised the situation as troubling, particularly because it involved illiterate applicants who relied on government officials for assistance. The Court further rejected the NRD’s position that religious determination should be left to the Syariah Court, while at the same time having determined the plaintiffs’ religion administratively.

Source: The Star January 08, 2026 15:09 UTC