This is because the children's citizenship is stated as non-Malaysian, and under a new Education Ministry directive non-citizens can no longer register in government schools.

Malaysia-Siam Association president Senator Siw Chun Eam said the children were deprived of an education due to their parents' failure to register their marriages.

"Many non-Muslim Malaysians marry Thais in traditional ceremonies without going to the Registration Department," she said.

"Previously, when either parent produced an identity card, the children were allowed to register for school, but not any more.

"Some children who have been going to school previously find themselves not being able to attend school this year."

Siw Chun said she had received 15 complaints from parents in Kedah and Perlis, and was now compiling data from other states.

"Once the report is complete, I shall hand it over to Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein," she said.

"This is not right as children need to go to school."

The Star/Asia News Network

KUALA LUMPUR