Jew in London

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - A Malaysian appealed for help after authorities ruled him dead more than four years ago, saying he was unable to work because of the mistake.

According to official records, Minggu Mang anak Madang died from head injuries in the town of Bintulu in the eastern state of Sarawak on January 18, 2002, and was buried.

But Minggu Mang, 40, said he was alive and had been fighting for years to prove to authorities he was not dead.

"Please help me to convince the authorities concerned that I am not dead. I am very much alive," he was quoted by the state Bernama news agency as saying.

"The going has been very tough, very stressful since I was officially certified dead by the Nyalau Hospital in Bintulu four years ago."

Minggu Mang said he had found out about the mistake when he went to renew his driver's license on December 19, 2003.

The former building contractor, who is married with three children, said he was told all his records with the transport department had been erased as he had been certified dead.

Minggu Mang, who has since been struggling to prove he is alive, said he could not work since he no longer officially exists -- a situation he labelled "ridiculous."

"Now I am the living dead as I cannot work," he said, adding he had complained to police over the matter.

"There seems to be no clear indication when the investigations will end. I know the police are doing their best but I have a life to live," he said.

Minggu also called for authorities to investigate the people who reported his death and work out who actually died and was buried.