KUCHING: The Malaysian Citizenship Rights Alliance (MCRA) is urgently requesting a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Cabinet to discuss proposed amendments to citizenship laws before final decisions are made.
While expressing support for the government’s intention to grant Malaysian mothers equal rights to confer citizenship on their overseas-born children, the advocates have raised significant concerns about five specific amendments deemed regressive.
These amendments, they said, if enacted, could strip constitutionally guaranteed citizenship rights from vulnerable groups, potentially leading to far-reaching consequences.
“In the past nine months, we have emphasised to your administration that the regressive amendments, as currently understood, will be disastrous to the rights and interests of children, the structure of government accountability, and harm the legacy of this Madani government.
“Over the same period, we have repeatedly attempted to discuss our concerns directly with the Minister of Home Affairs and relevant ministry officials, but they have declined to grant us an opportunity for meaningful discussion,” they stated in a press release issued today (Mar 21).
They stressed that their input, drawn from extensive experience and expertise in the field, is crucial in shaping policies that uphold the rights and interests of all citizens.
They highlighted instances where government data and information used to justify the proposed amendments have been questioned, indicating potential inaccuracies and deficiencies.
Examples provided include discrepancies in the number of foundlings, lack of evidence regarding marriages of convenience, and inconsistencies in processing times for permanent residence applications.
“These examples of data deficiency or inaccuracy suggest that the regressive amendments may not be adequately evidence-based. These examples also underscore the importance of halting the presentation of the regressive amendments until further study and consultation can take place.”
The open letter concludes with a plea for Anwar and Cabinet members to provide an opportunity for the advocates to present their concerns and recommendations regarding the proposed citizenship amendments.
MCRA is affiliated with multiple civil society organisations coming together under one umbrella to raise this issue.
