In the heart of Singapore, a poignant tale unfolds—one of a 76-year-old man named Goh, who despite spending over seven decades in the country, remains “stateless,” according to 8World News.
He currently makes a living selling tissue paper near the Paya Lebar MRT station every day from 6am to 5pm, and earns less than $100.
This is the remarkable and often heartbreaking story of a man whose life has been entwined with the complex threads of citizenship, loss, and survival.
Early Life in Malaysia
Goh’s journey began in 1947 in Perak, Malaysia, where he was born. At the tender age of five, he relocated to Singapore with his parents, setting the stage for a life marked by unexpected twists.
At nine, Goh commenced his formal education, only to abandon it three years later under his parents’ direction to learn Hokkien opera. This decision would later impact his pursuit of citizenship.
Goh faced setbacks at 13 and 20 when his attempts to secure Singaporean citizenship were thwarted due to his lack of proficiency in English or Malay, revealing the linguistic challenges embedded in the citizenship process.
Becoming Stateless
The turning point came at 25 when Goh, inexplicably, lost his Malaysian nationality, rendering him stateless. The absence of a passport and citizenship posed a myriad of challenges, thrusting him into a precarious existence.
With no official identity, Goh navigated life as a singer of Hokkien opera and later as a rag-and-bone man, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.
A decade ago, Goh’s life took a new turn as he began selling tissue paper near Paya Lebar MRT station. Despite his daily toil from 6 am to 5 pm, his earnings rarely exceeded S$100.
Living alone in an HDB flat, Goh’s solitude is amplified by the absence of family. A divorce and financial disputes with his sisters severed ties, while the death of his girlfriend years ago added a layer of heartbreak to his already challenging life.
He has two children with which he is estranged with, one stays overseas while the other demanded $20,000 from him.
Financial Strains and Health Challenges
In late 2022, Goh received a Special Pass, legalizing his stay in Singapore and granting him S$410 in monthly aid. However, the rising cost of living compelled him to adopt a stringent budget, restricting himself to one meal a day.
Bearing the physical toll of a car accident, Goh’s health deteriorated. Despite a red and swollen eye, he hesitated to seek hospital care due to financial constraints.
The Uncharted Future
Goh, with no intention of reapplying for Singaporean citizenship, faces an uncertain future. Without a passport or knowledge of obtaining a Certificate of Identity, leaving Singapore is not an option.
With no familial ties in Malaysia, Goh embraces a day-to-day existence, accepting whatever comes his way. His words reflect a stoic resignation to life’s challenges.
He says that he is taking each day as it comes and if he can’t sell tissue paper anymore, he will just wait for his death.
@8world.news 生在#马来西亚 长在#新加坡 却无国籍，七旬阿叔卖纸巾艰难维生。#8worldnews #sgnews ♬ 原声 – 8视界新闻网