CNY with Suki
Suki Wong, a young stateless girl, can now read and write, and looks forward to a small but meaningful celebration with her father.
Photographs by Ahmad Sadiq Mohamad Sani
Suki (left) looks over her shoulder at her classmates as their teacher speaks to them about an upcoming concert.
Suki's smile can be seen even past her face mask as her teacher demonstrates a dance move during a practice session.
Excited about her role, she takes her place as she waits for the rehearsal to begin.
Just months ago, she spent most of her time at home, but now has many friends at the school she attends in Damansara Damai.
Suki chats with her father, Wong Kon Foo, telling him about her day.
She takes a workbook from her bag, eager to start on her homework.
She sits in a corner of the small flat unit, practising her reading.
Her writing is also improving – a far cry from her situation last year.
After she finishes her homework, she goes to a nearby supermarket to get some Chinese New Year decorations for the house.
She waits in line to pay for the items she has selected.
At home, she stands on tiptoe, reaching as high as she can to paste a red sticker on her bedroom door.
She watches as her uncle hangs a string of pineapple decorations at the front grill.
Their celebration is far from lavish, but she is thankful for her family this Chinese New Year.
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