I AM a Malaysian citizen who has taken a Filipino wife four years ago. Since then, I have also been raising her son from a previous liaison as my own.

But my stepson, who is now seven-years-old, is unable to enrol in a government school to begin his Primary One education. The Education Ministry has denied him permission to study in a government school although the school in question had already accepted him in principle.

The reason given for the rejection was because my wife was stated to be “single” in our marriage certificate and it is impossible, in the eyes of the ministry, that my wife could have kids before our marriage.

Despite my explanation, over the phone and in writing, that my wife had a child in the Philippines although she was never officially married, the Ministry does not accept it.

They suggested I get my marriage certificate amended to indicate that my wife was previously married or alternately to send my son to a private school.

But how could I state my wife was previously married, divorced or widowed in our marriage contract when she was legally single and had no record of any previous marriage in the Philippines prior to marrying me?

Secondly, there are no private schools in the town where I reside in.

Since early November last year, I have been meeting officials from the Education Ministry but am no closer to any solution.

I am just a father trying to carry out my responsibilities to the child under my care. Education is a basic human right and yet my stepson is denied this opportunity.

GERALD SIA, Batu Pahat.

Source: The Star – February 22, 2008