KUALA LUMPUR: Further explanation to MPs is needed on the proposed constitutional amendments to resolve the issue of citizenship for children born to Malaysian mothers abroad, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister's comments came amid concerns of pushback from backbenchers when the Bill is tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.
"Any constitutional amendments affecting the issue of citizenship have to be cleared by the Rulers, who have made a decision.
"This has to be honoured.
"But I think that we need to explain (the situation) to the backbenchers," he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Digital Expo 2023 Grand Finale on Monday (Nov 6).
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He had been asked to comment on the possibility that the proposed amendments may be blocked by government backbenchers concerned about possible negative effects from changes to provisions in the Federal Constitution.
It was reported that DAP's Ipoh Timor MP Howard Lee warned that several government MPs may not vote in favour of the amendments.
The proposed amendments to Article 14(1)(b) will resolve the issue over citizenship of children born to Malaysian mothers overseas.
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However, there are seven other proposed amendments which critics say would create a large pool of stateless children.
On Wednesday (Nov 1), Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the proposed amendments would be tabled soon.
He said 148 votes or two-thirds support in the Dewan Rakyat is needed.
At present, Anwar has the support of 149 votes in the august House which includes two rogue Perikatan Nasional MPs.
